KENT COUNTY, Mich. — A Kent County teacher was arrested and accused of sexually assaulting a student.
Kent County Sheriff Michelle LaJoye-Young says 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 really work and 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.
From there, the investigation began and led to the arrest of a 51-year-old former Northview Public Schools District teacher.
Officials say the victim was 13 at the time. The assaults spanned from 1998 to 2003, some of which was on school property.
Sheriff LaJoye-Young says even in cases like these, it's important victims come forward when they are ready.
"It's never too late to come forward and and share that you've been the victim of a crime such as this, and that there is no limitation on us being able to investigate it because of statute of limitations,” said LaJoye-Young.
She also says when you come forward, you can help prevent this from happening to someone else.
“There's always the case that that that same person could be victimizing other individuals too. And so you could be that link between you and somebody else's safety,” said LaJoye-Young.
The teacher in this case has not been identified, nor which school they taught at.
Northview Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Christina Hinds released the following statement:
“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.”
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