KENT COUNTY, Mich. — The former Kent County teacher who pleaded guilty to criminal sexual conduct involving a student learned how long he will spend in prison this week.
James Christians, 50, pleaded guilty to criminal sexual conduct involving a student back in May. Wednesday, Christians learned that he will serve between 3 and 9 years in prison for sexually assaulting one of his students.
Investigators say Christians sexually assaulted a student at Crossroads Middle School between the years of 1998 and 2003.
The survivor of the assault said the abuse happened when she was 13 years old both on school property and at her father's home.
During Christians' sentencing, a phone call between him and his wife minimizing the survivor's story was shared.
The survivor was in court, but did not speak and instead wrote a letter to the judge to review before sentencing.
One of the prosecuting attorneys spoke before the sentencing saying they are happy this man is out of classrooms and will be serving time in prison.
"So, you know, as I prepare to send my children back to school next week, and many of us probably are. You know, I'm grateful that my teenagers won't be anywhere around this man. I expect more of teachers in our community. I expect that everybody expects and demands more of teachers in our community who hold a position of trust with our kids," said Bonnie Prevette, prosecuting attorney for the Kent County Prosecutor's Office.
Christians worked as an English teacher for Lowell High School at the time of his arrest. After being charged, the school put him on administrative leave and sent home a letter to parents informing them there was no indication that any misconduct occurred at Lowell Area Schools property or involving any of the district's students.
Following his arraignment, Lowell Area Schools sent home another letter.
"The safety and well-being of our students are always our highest priorities. Any allegation of misconduct involving a student is taken with the utmost seriousness. We are cooperating fully with law enforcement as they continue to investigate this matter. Lowell Area Schools’ investigation into the matter remains open. As a district, we are deeply troubled by these allegations. We value the trust placed in educators by students, parents, and our community," Superintendent Nate Fowler said.
Northview Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Christina Hinds released the following statement after Christians' arraignment:
“Northview Public Schools was informed earlier today of the arrest of a former teacher by the Kent County Sheriff’s Office. This individual last worked for Northview Public Schools in 2000. We want to assure our community that the safety and well-being of our students are our highest priorities. Upon learning of the investigation, our district has been working alongside the sheriff’s office and will continue to do so to bring resolution and closure to this situation. As this is an ongoing criminal matter, we are unable to comment further or provide additional information at this time. We understand the concerns that incidents like these can cause and want to reassure our community of our unwavering commitment to student safety. We will continue to work diligently to uphold these values and trust. We appreciate the understanding and support of our community as we navigate through this matter.”
Kent County Sheriff Michelle LaJoye-Young said the victim came forward after having conversations with her own child about speaking up when something like this happens.
"She was trying to teach her daughter to disclose if something were to happen and some of the things to be aware of. And it got to her, that this had happened as she was a young girl and didn't report it and thought it was important to report it,” said LaJoye-Young.
If you have any information on someone being exploited or trafficked, contact the Kent County Sheriff's Office Human Trafficking Task Force at 616-632-6125 or email tips to HTTF@kentcountymi.gov.