A former Huron Valley substitute teacher has gone on trial on sexual assault charges

NOVI – Timothy Daugherty, a former substitute teacher in the Huron Valley accused of inappropriately touching studentsappeared in Oakland County Circuit Court.

Following testimony from the three young girls during Daugherty’s preliminary hearing Wednesday, District Court Judge Robert Bondy ruled 52-1 that there was enough evidence to send the case to a higher court.

Daugherty’s defense attorney, Raymond Cassar, said the burden of proof was “low” and his client would likely face trial.

Daugherty was indicted last month, six counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct. The allegations involve inappropriate sexual contact with at least six students at Spring Mills Elementary School, which was first reported to law enforcement in April.

On Wednesday, three students, all girls, gave their testimony.

“These girls are 9 years old and still developing mentally. My argument before the court concerned this age. “Children are very impressionable and sometimes misinterpret social behaviors, including hugs,” Cassar said. “I think a parent suggested something was wrong and then it spread like wildfire. If he touched him, it was not for sexual gratification, but the court disagreed.”

Ven Johnson, a civil attorney representing the children’s 11 parents, was not immediately available for comment.

Chelsea Heckathorn, a spokeswoman for Ven Johnson Law, said Wednesday “was a very emotional day for the victims and their families.” Ven Johnson has yet to file a civil lawsuit on behalf of the 11 familiesbut “it should happen soon.” A date for Daugherty’s arraignment in Oakland County Circuit Court has not yet been set.

Second-degree criminal sexual conduct is a felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison and requires lifetime electronic monitoring after parole.

This article originally appeared on Hometownlife.com: A Huron Valley substitute teacher accused of molesting students will face trial