Teacher accused of groping male students.
August 6, 2008 - Melissa Lavender, 33, a South Lake High School culinary arts teacher, was arraigned on two charges of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct, accused of engaging in sex acts with two male students, age 15 and 16.
Police said the incident happened on a former student’s parents' boat that was docked in a St. Clair Shores marina.
He said there were eight former and current students on the boat. Lavender was the only teacher. A witness came forward just last week and told police Lavender had inappropriately touched two of the current students. The alleged victims are 16 and 17, respectively.“Criminal sexual conduct is any unwanted touching,” said Det. Harold Bergeron. “When a person is touched for the sexual gratification of another, that’s just inappropriate.” St. Clair Shores investigators said even though the alleged victims are both of the age of consent, state law forbids teachers from having sex with students who are under 18 years old.
Lavender has been suspended with pay. She is married with two children. A pretrial conference is scheduled for August 26.
PRELIMINARY SCHEDULED August 27 - Lavender (See photo at story) has a preliminary scheduled for October 10.
