Fireworks!

Fireworks!
Local Shows

°

Homepage / Detroit Local News
Text Size

Rape Charges Dropped Against Former Teacher

POSTED: Thursday, August 21, 2008
UPDATED: 6:46 pm EDT August 21, 2008

A former Oak Park teacher accused of sexually assaulting two young boys in an empty special-education classroom was back in court Thursday morning to find out if he would face a third trial.

James Perry, 33, formerly a teacher at Key Elementary School, was convicted of the assaults in 2006.

Prosecutors had wanted to retry Perry, but decided there is not enough evidence, so all charges have been dropped in the "interests of justice."

"It's a huge relief for him," said Perry's lawyer Mitch Ribitwer. "I truly believe that the man is innocent and he's been vindicated."

Judge Denise Langford Morris overturned the conviction last year after learning key witnesses were not interviewed by police during the investigation.

Perry was accused of snatching the two boys in 2005, then ages 4 and 5, from a supervised lunch line and dragging them into the special-education room where he allegedly forced the boys to perform oral sex.

"I know my son is the truth teller because of what I taught him. It's not his fault a man raped him. He was not molested, that was rape," said the mother of one of Perry's alleged victims.

She added, "I pray their hearts are not heavy for their decision."

A special-education teacher at the school testified the special-ed room was always occupied and that the attacks could not have happened there.

The teacher's testimony was considered critical to the defense. The witness and two other adults assigned to the classroom told jurors the room was always occupied by students and teachers at lunch time because some of the students have disabilities that make it difficult to move them between rooms.

Perry cannot be retried again.

"It's been almost three years and I'm just glad the Livingston County prosecutor took an objective look at this and made the right decision," Perry said as he was leaving the courtroom.

Livingston County assistant prosecutor Pamela Maas took over the case after there was controversy regarding the Oakland County prosecutor's office overseeing the case.

Oakland County Prosecutor David Gorcyca has been charged with professional misconduct for his handling of Perry's case and allegedly calling him a "freak."

Perry's been on leave from his teaching job for three years and said he is not sure if he is can ever return to a classroom again.
Text Size

Hot Topics

Links We Like
Sponsored Content
Find out which triggers are under your control. The answers could prevent migraines, and keep you off the sidelines. More

Don’t ruin your chances of landing that new job by making easy to correct mistakes on your cover letter. More

Now more than ever, job security is priority number one with most job seekers. Here are 10 jobs with great job security that employers are actually struggling to fill. More

Diabetics are now finding new ways to connect better. Get your supplies consultation and join the largest diabetes community! More

Hot Shots!

Hot Shots: Michigan Adventures 2007 - Image From Dale Niesen
Do you love fireworks as much as Local 4? If so, share your fireworks Hot Shots. More

Hot Shots: 2008 Fireworks
2009 Fireworks

Hot Shots: Wild Weather - Image From Cheryl Kleist
Have a great picture of a rainbow? Share your Hot Shots with Local 4!
  • UPLOAD: Submit Your Hot Shot
  • SLIDESHOW: Hot Shots: Rainbow Connection



    Sponsored Links

    On Local 4

    Why are so many teens around metro Detroit getting sexually transmitted diseases? Wait until you see what Local 4 Investigator Kevin Dietz found out.

    Watch "Ellen" weekdays at 10 a.m. on Local 4 to find out how you could win tickets to a preview of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and a great grand prize package! More


    Vote 4 The Best
    Vote 4 The Best 2009: It's time to VOTE for your favorites from burgers to pizza, pet supplies to hair salons and much more. Let your voice be heard! Plus, look for our all new Summer Recreation categories with golf courses, pools, parks and more. More


    Keep up with the latest tweets from the Local 4 Newsroom. More


    Morning Home Delivery From Click On Detroit and Local 4 News

    Most Popular

    Question Of The Day

    What are your plans for the fourth of July holiday weekend?