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Date Posted: - 5:12--pm, ------ 08/06/08 Wed
Author: Heretic
Subject: Where were these teachers when I was growing up??

South Lake High School teacher suspended, charged with having sex with students


Charles E. Ramirez and Cristina Stolarz / The Detroit News

ST. CLAIR SHORES -- A South Lake High School culinary arts teacher who authorities say engaged in sex acts with students on a boat this summer was charged today with two counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct.

Melissa Lavender, 33, stood mute as she was arraigned in 40th District Court where Judge Joseph Craigen Oster set bond at $25,000.

St. Clair Shores police said they are investigating a complaint that Lavender engaged in sex with current and former students on the night of June 26 on a former student's parents' boat that was docked in a St. Clair Shores marina.

Lavender's next court appearance will be on Aug. 26 for pretrial conference.

Lavender is to have no contact with witnesses or victims, have unsupervised contact with any minors and she's forbidden to consume alcohol or drugs, Oster said. She must also get random Breathalyzer tests four times a day as long as she's out on bond.

Lavender was immediately suspended with pay pending further investigation when the allegations were brought to light last week, Superintendent Deborah Thompson said.

"Students and parents came forward," said Thompson, noting she learned about the incident July 28. "We're deeply saddened by these allegations. Our first priority is to follow our policies, ensuring the safety and support of all our students."

Thompson said support is available to the students if needed. Thompson declined to comment on the charges, saying "this is a police matter."

However, she did say the incident involved some current students and some who have graduated.

"This did take place after the school year was over and off site," Thompson said. "There was no involvement of the school."

Lavender has been with the district for five years, starting out as a foods teacher and then taking over the culinary arts program. A substitute culinary arts position was posted as vacant Tuesday on the district's Web site.

Thompson also posted a letter to "South Lake Families" on the high school's Web site, acknowledging that she's been informed of "alleged serious misconduct involving a high school teacher and students."

The letter states that the teacher has been forbidden to contact staff, students or parents regarding the allegations.


South Lake High School teacher suspended, charged with having sex with students

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