HIGHLAND PARK, Mich. (WXYZ) — A former teacher at a school in Highland Park has been arrested and charged with sexual assault.
Watch the video report below:
Vincent Weaver, 29, was arrested at an off-site school event on May 16, the city said. Highland Park police officers worked with school security to identify Weaver, who was allegedly dressed in disguise as an elderly woman so he wouldn't be recognized by staff members.
Weaver worked at George Washington Carver Academy starting in August 2023 as a fine arts teacher and also served as a coach of the school's dance team. He was fired this month.
Watch the arraignment of Weaver in the video below:
According to police, Weaver allegedly engaged in sexual misconduct with a 12-year-old student over a period of four months.
The teacher had actually been suspended before regarding another incident. Police say the school disciplined him after a sex toy reportedly fell out of his work bag.
About two weeks later, the student and their family came forward with these allegations.
Police say Weaver allegedly groomed the student, and sexual acts were performed while on school grounds.
Watch the full press conference from police in the video player below:
Weaver was arraigned Monday afternoon on charges of:
- Count 1: Criminal sexual conduct – 1st degree
- Count 2: Criminal sexual conduct – 2nd degree
- Count 3: Criminal sexual conduct – 2nd degree
- Count 4: Misdemeanor indecent exposure
He was given a $250,000 cash/surety bond as the magistrate said he is deemed a flight risk and threat to the public.
In a statement posted to social media on Monday afternoon, Superintendent Sylvia Brown said the district was recently made aware of an incident involving a teacher and student. Brown said they notified law enforcement immediately and placed Weaver on a suspension before terminating him after the investigation.
"Our immediate, top priority and focus remains the safety and well-being of our students and their families, and we are committed to supporting them with appropriate resources during this time," Brown said.
Police say they don't know if there are other victims in this case, but encourage potential victims to come forward.
