A former Southfield elementary school teacher is facing several sexual assault charges for alleged incidents involving students last year.
The Lathrup Village Police Department began investigating Lamar Willis in March 2023 after being notified by the school about the alleged incidents.
Willis was a teacher at MacArthur K-8 University Academy, which is in Lathrup Village. According to the Southfield Public Schools district, they suspended Willis in March 2023 following the allegations, and then he resigned in June 2023. The district said he has had no known contact with students or staff.
The Lathrup Village Police Department said during their investigation, they were given names of other students who were potential witnesses or victims, and more allegations came up in the interviews. In all, police say they interviewed 15 kids for their investigation.
Students described Willis as a good teacher but a creepy one who often got too handsy, but police say it wasn't just creepy, it was criminal.
Willis was charged with four counts of Second-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct and three counts of Accosting a Minor for Immoral Purposes, and he was arraigned earlier this month and given a $15,000 personal bond.
"We take these situations seriously and cooperate fully with law enforcement in their investigation. Our priority remains ensuring the safety and support of our students, staff, and community members," a letter from Southfield Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Green said.
A police report obtained by 7 Action News through the Freedom of Information Act details the disturbing allegations, including how Willis wanted to watch students be sexual with each other. One student said he gave directions on where to put their fingers, and if they didn't go far enough, the student said he'd tell them to leave his classroom.
Another student said Willis touched her butt three times and poked it another time, saying how firm it was.
In all, police say the five victims are 12 and 13 years old.
One girl said Willis was trying to show them how to dance with boys' fronts being pushed up against girls' backs, and when he was demonstrating on her, she said he was sexually aroused.
An attorney for Willis declined to comment.
