School Employee Arraigned On Sex Abuse Charge

HARPER WOODS (WWJ) - A Harper Woods High School security official has been charged with child sexual abuse activity in connection with an incident at the school involving a student.

At 32A District Court on Monday, bond was set at $10,000 for 40-year-old Maurice Lamont Bowles. He is charged with child sexually abusive activity, a 20-year felony, along with assault and battery.

A number of students and parents were in the courtroom, including parent Kimora Haslund, who accuses school officials of keeping similar incidents under wraps.

"I'm basically here for support of the children because we're getting a lot of mixed information," Haslund told reporters. "We did not receive the letter that the school states was sent home. So, I'm here so that I can get accurate, firsthand information."

"And I just hope that this will be an incident so that when parents do bring concerns to the administrators that they will look deeply into the matters of the parents as they did in this case," she said.

The student came to police earlier this week and reported the alleged incident involving inappropriate touching or fondling. Police said it happened on school grounds, during school hours, on October 17.

The school has maintained that student safety is a top priority, and has pledged their cooperation with police in the ongoing investigation.

Another court appearance was set for November 9 during which the judge will determine whether there is sufficient grounds for a trial. In the meantime, Bowles has orders to not contact the victim or any school.