News

Actions

Sexual assault investigation leads to arrest of Northville High School teacher

Posted at 5:05 PM, Jan 28, 2020
and last updated 2020-01-29 17:53:00-05

CLARKSTON, Mich. (WXYZ) — A Northville High School teacher is sitting in the Oakland County Jail as the suspect in a case that involves allegations of sexual assault. Inmate records list the possible charge as first-degree criminal sexual conduct.

If the married father of two, who is from Livonia, is charged, his arraignment is expected to take place at the 52-2 District Court in Clarkston.

The teacher was arrested Monday morning and booked into the Oakland County Jail at 8:49 a.m.

Later that day, Mary Kay Gallagher, superintendent for Northville Public Schools, released a statement to parents that included the following:

"In keeping with our district’s ongoing commitment to communicate with our parents and community members on matters of concern to our families, it is with a heavy heart that I inform you that one of our male high school teachers was arrested this morning, in anticipation of potential criminal charges. The district was notified by the authorities of the individual’s arrest this morning, with the directive that more specific communication could only take place following arraignment which is anticipated to take place within the next few days. We do not have any reason to believe, at this time, that the allegations and charges involve any Northville student.

Upon learning of these serious allegations, the teacher was placed on administrative leave, pending our review of the situation and completion of the criminal process. We are fully cooperating with law enforcement and guided by their directives relating to information we may release and any other steps that may be taken to ensure student safety."

The teacher is also a coach with the Michigan Hawks, a girls soccer club based in Livonia.

In a letter to current and former families of their players, Doug Landefeld, executive director of Michigan Hawks, said that they have no reason to believe that the "allegations/charges against the coach involve any Hawks' club player or connection."

Landefeld also indicated that the soccer club is taking "immediate steps to remove the coach from his duties."

No one from the Oakland County Sheriff's Office is commenting on their investigation.

7 Action News reached the suspect's wife and father by phone Tuesday. Both of them declined to comment.