PONTIAC, Mich. (WXYZ) — A substitute teacher at Spring Mills Elementary School in Highland Township who was accused of touching students has been officially charged.
7 News Detroit reporter Brett Kast has confirmed through the Oakland County Prosecutor's Office that Timothy Daugherty, 61, was charged with six counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct. The charges involve 3 minor victims. Under Michigan law, second-degree criminal sexual conduct involves children under the age of 13.
“This was a trusted individual in a school that preyed upon kids,” Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald said in a statement on Wednesday. “I applaud the bravery of the young victims who came forward. The case will be handled by my office’s Special Victims Unit, who will work diligently to secure justice for these children, parents, and the community.”
“As soon as we were notified, we launched a very detailed investigation, brought in a lot of different resources and ultimately interviewed, I believe, 16 kids,” Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard told 7 News Detroit. “Whether there‘s any more prosecutions on those cases will be up to the prosecutor and if there’s any more victims out there who haven't come forward, we certainly urge them to come forward.”
The White Lake man was given a $75,000 bond and posted the bond on Wednesday. He was ordered to wear a GPS tether upon his release.
“I'm disappointed that this person had such a low bond and for $7,500 is back out on the streets,” Bouchard said. “I think it’s egregious that somebody preys on a child and sexually assaults a child and they’re back out on the street for $7,500.”
Back in May, some parents in Huron Valley Schools sounded off at a school board meeting alleging an elementary school substitute teacher inappropriately touched five students.
WATCH OUR REPORT FROM MAY IN THE VIDEO PLAYER BELOW:
The district confirmed at the time that the substitute teacher, who is not employed by the district, is no longer in the classroom while an investigation takes place. Then, the Oakland County Sheriff's Office said that an investigation had begun in late April.
“Our children, in elementary school," Huron Valley Schools parent Tori Spano during the May meeting. "This is not high school. These are little kids.”
“We send our children to Huron Valley Schools entrusting their care, that there are systems in place that will protect our children from these very situations,” another parent Jojo Kind said.
Watch below: Huron Valley Schools faces lawsuit after substitute teacher accused of touching students
The parents say at least five students at Spring Mills elementary have come forward with the allegations, and at least one parent said her daughter was inappropriately touched multiple times over the past few years.
Some parents back in May said they just found out as the children came forward.
We were the first ones to cover this story back in May. We confirmed with the Oakland County Prosecutor's Office that Daugherty was charged and arraigned Wednesday after charges were issued Aug. 29.
Some families also retained attorney Ven Johnson and had planned to sue the district and the principal.
Johnson also says the teacher was charged but not convicted of sexual assault by another young girl in 2016.
"There’s no way that they should've had this man in their schools with young kids when he had allegations of child sexual misconduct in 2016," Johnson told us.
Huron Valley Schools released a statement through its communications director, Barb Roethler. It reads:
"Huron Valley Schools was made aware of information regarding allegations of misconduct involving a contracted substitute teacher named Tim Daugherty. After a thorough investigation by Oakland County Sheriff's Office, the prosecutor has moved forward with formal charges. Please note the individual was immediately removed from the District upon learning of the allegations.
HVS takes all allegations of misconduct seriously and the District has cooperated fully with law enforcement as they conducted their investigation and will continue to do so. In an effort to protect the privacy of those involved, as well as to safeguard the integrity of the investigation, HVS refers all questions to law enforcement. If you or someone you know has further information, please contact the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office at (248) 858-4950.
HVS recognizes the importance of maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment and are committed to upholding the trust students and their families place in us. This District is grateful for their partnership and remains focused on the mission of inspiring and building futures, one student at a time."
A probable cause conference for Daugherty is scheduled for Sept. 18 at 10 a.m. A preliminary examination is set for Sept. 25 at 1:30 p.m.
Any other victims or anyone with information is asked to call the Oakland County Sheriff's Office Highland Township Substation at 248-887-6240.
