Teacher Charged With Taking Illicit Photos

NEW BUFFALO, Mich. (AP) — Authorities have accused a southwestern Michigan middle school teacher of taking or trying to take cellphone pictures of students' underwear.

Thirty-seven-year-old Aaron Badger was arraigned Friday on two charges of capturing or attempting to capture the images with his phone in a classroom at New Buffalo Middle School. Badger posted bond and has another court appearance next Friday.

Prosecutors say the incidents happened on Sept. 19 and Oct. 3.

New Buffalo School Area Schools Superintendent Mark Westerburg says Badger, a 12-year veteran of the district, has been on administrative leave with pay since Oct. 7. Westerburg recommends Badger's firing when the school board takes up his employment status Monday in a closed session.

Defense attorney Ryan Wojtowicz says Badger is innocent and he hopes "people have patience and reserve judgment."