LATHRUP VILLAGE, Mich. – A music teacher in Oakland County is accused of committing sex crimes linked to five students.
Lamar Willis is a former teacher at MacArthur K-8 University Academy, which is in Lathrup Village and part of the Southfield Public Schools district.
In March 2023, a student spoke to a parent about alleged inappropriate behavior by Willis, and that parent spoke to school officials. The district launched an internal investigation and suspended Willis.
A few months later, in June, he officially resigned. Officials don’t believe he has had any contact with the school since his resignation.
Willis began working with the Detroit Public Schools Community District in the fall, but he was placed on administrative leave on Dec. 15 when school officials were notified of pending charges.
Police said they first learned about the allegations against Willis from the district.
On Wednesday, Dec. 27, Oakland County prosecutors revealed Willis is facing four counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct and three counts of accosting children for immoral purposes.
The charges stem from encounters that happened on school grounds during the 2022-2023 school year, according to authorities.
Police spoke to 15 children throughout the course of the investigation, and those interviews led them to believe that there are five victims.
Willis was arraigned Dec. 18 at 46th District Court and given a $15,000 personal bond. He can’t have any contact with children or go within 100 feet of any school.
Local 4 has not heard back from Willis’ attorney.