In January, an assistant principal at a middle school was accused of touching a female student’s chest. An internal investigation by the school district took place immediately after the incident. During the investigation, the male assistant principal, Kevin Doerfler, was still working for the school district; however, he was working in the school district’s main office so he would be away from the students at the middle school.
In July, formal charges were brought against Doerfler and he was put on administrative leave from the school district. The detective, while testifying to obtain a warrant for the charge against the 52-year-old, said that two witnesses saw the assistant principal touch the chest of the student, which confirmed the alleged victim’s statement. The former assistant principal admitted that he touched the student, but not in an inappropriate way. He is currently out on bond and is awaiting his preliminary examination at the end of July.
Doerfler is facing one count of second-degree criminal sexual conduct with a person between the ages of 13 and 16.
In Michigan, second degree criminal sexual conduct is governed by MCL 750.520c. Second degree criminal sexual conduct is a crime that consists of sexual contact. Sexual contact is defined by MCL 750.520a as the intentional touching of a victim’s intimate parts, while clothed or unclothed, for the purpose of sexual arousal or gratification, done for a sexual purpose, or in a sexual manner for revenge, humiliation, or out of anger.
Under this circumstance, Doerfler is more than likely being prosecuted under MCL 750.520c(b)(iv) which constitutes a charge if there was sexual contact and the victim is between the ages of 13 and 16 and the actor is a teacher, substitute teacher, or administrator of the school in which the victim is enrolled.
Doerfler is not only in jeopardy of facing potential jail time and registration on the sex offender registry, but will also lose his ability to be a principal and to be hired by school districts because of a conviction. The same can be held true for teachers, coaches, and other school employees that face charges of criminal sexual conduct.
Criminal sexual conduct charges are serious charges that can result in more than just jail time and registering as a sex offender, especially for those who are teachers or employed by schools in Michigan. It is important for those that find themselves in a situation, such as the one Doerfler currently finds himself in, that an attorney highly experienced in defending sex crimes is retained for representation. The Law Offices of Shannon M. Smith focuses on defending those accused of criminal sexual conduct and other sex crimes as its main practice of law. Our office in the past has represented teachers from various school districts for charges of criminal sexual conduct. If you or a loved one are facing charges of criminal sexual conduct and are currently employed with a school district, do not hesitate to contact our office and set up an appointment.