The Ellsworth Community School superintendent says says she received a call from a student's parent on Sunday night alleging that the teacher was involved with a sex act with her 15-year old daughter last month.
ELLSWORTH -- Lynn Spearing, the superintendent at Ellsworth Community School says news of a teacher allegedly having sex with a student is devastating, especially in district with only a little more than 200 students.
"We're all very, very sad and devastated by this. My goal, my primary purpose right now is to be sure that all students are safe," says Spearing.
Spearing received a phone call from a parent Sunday night claiming that 55-year old Michael Peterson, a math teacher at Ellsworth Community engaged in a sexual act with her 15-year old daughter. The parent told Spearing the acts happened in a classroom at the school and also in the student's home last month.
"I immediately placed Mr. Peterson on administrative leave. Since that time I've been cooperating with law enforcement officials and they've been investigating it," says Spearing.
Antrim County deputies arrested Peterson for Criminal Sexual Conduct in the First Degree on Tuesday. The Antrim County prosecutor also issued a felony complaint alleging three counts of Criminal Sexual Conduct in the First Degree.
"Did you speak personally with Michael Peterson about these charges?" asks 7&4 News.
"Only to let him know that he would be on administrative leave," says Spearing.
"Did he admit to any of this?" asks 7&4 News.
"No, we didn't talk long enough," says Spearing.
Spearing says she wants to assure students and parents that the school district is working to keep students safe.
"I did notify students and there will be a note going home to parents as well....I have an open door policy with students if they have any concerns at all," says Spearing.
The sheriff's office is asking anyone with information concerning this teacher to please come forward. Criminal Sexual Conduct in the First Degree can carry a penalty of up to life in prison.
