DETROIT – Two current and one former Detroit Public Schools principals have been arraigned on conspiracy to commit bribery charges.
Stanley Johnson walked into federal court Wednesday afternoon wearing horn-rimmed glasses and a hat. The 62-year-old Hutchinson Elementary School principal is accused of stealing $85,000 in a school supplies scheme. The judge ordered him to turn over his concealed carry permit along with his weapons after getting a $10,000 unsecured bond.
Read more: 13 current, former DPS principals charged with bribery, conspiracy
Meanwhile, 50-year-old James Hearn, of West Bloomfield, who is principal at Garvey Academy, appeared in court, too. He is accused of taking $11,500 in the alleged conspiracy. His attorney, Jeff Cojocar, sounded quite conciliatory outside the courthouse.
"He's obviously remorseful for what's going on. He's had a death in the family and hopefully he can put this behind him," said Cojocar.
Hearn also received a $10,000 unsecured bond.
"Are there, in fact, negotiations for a plea? There could be. We're trying to cooperate as much as possible," said his attorney.
Former Davis Aerospace Technical High School principal Nina Graves-Hicks, who is 52 and lives in Detroit, had light reddish hair and horn-rimmed glasses when she appeared in court Wednesday. She, too, received a $10,000 unsecured bond.
All three stood mute before the judge, who entered not-guilty pleas in each case. They are expected to turn in passports and whatever weapons they might have by April 8. Plea deals appear to be in the works.
Overall, 13 people are charged in the case, including a Detroit Public Schools vendor who is accused of being the scheme's mastermind. Five principals resigned before the investigation or due to the investigation. Current employees charged were placed on unpaid leave.