SHELBY TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WXYZ) — The band director of Eisenhower High School has been charged with two different cases regarding alleged inappropriate interactions with students.
In the first case, Christopher Traskal, 42, allegedly sent emails to a student he was currently teaching over a period of several months. Prosecutors say that over time, the emails escalated to an inappropriate and sexual nature. His in-school conversations and interactions with the student were also allegedly inappropriate.
In the second case, a former student said Traskal befriended her. Prosecutors say he also befriended the victim's mother, allegedly manipulating their relationship so he was able to spend more time with the victim. Prosecutors say that Traskal allegedly began engaging in inappropriate interactions with the victim while she was in high school, taking her to his home and trying to provide her with alcohol. Prosecutors say the interactiosn escalated to Traskal allegedly sexually assaulting the victim in 2011.
“As parents, we place our utmost trust in the educators that spend countless hours with our children," said Macomb County Prosecutor Erik Smith. "This suspect took advantage of his position and exploited the innocence of these children. He broke the trust of not only these families, but others in the school and district. His deplorable actions cast a negative light on the profession as a whole.”
Traskal has worked for the school district for 18 years.
In the first case, he has been charged with one count of Child Sexual Abusive Activity and one count of Using a Computer to Commit Crime. In the second case, he was charged with two counts of Criminal Sexual Conduct, Fourth Degree.
Traskal resigned from his position in October after alleged lewd emails were discovered.
