ROCHESER HILLS (WWJ) - A now-former Rochester Hills teacher has been arraigned on felony charges for allegedly having a sexual relationship with two students,
Investigators said there was alcohol and drugs involved when 26-year-old special education teacher Kathryn Houghtaling had sex with two students -- one in a car while other students watched, and another at a student's home.
Houghtaling, a married Sterling Heights resident, appeared before Judge Lisa Asadoorian in 52-3 District Court Friday morning for an arraignment on six counts of Criminal Sexual Conduct - third degree.
A not guilty plea was entered on her behalf, and bond was set at $200,000 cash or surety, no 10 percent, with the condition that if she's released she does not go to any schools.
"The allegations are serious; they involve students. One was being taught by Ms. Houghtaling -- that's the allegation. They involve various sex acts in more than one locations on more than one date through at least two months in the last year," Asadoorian said. "The court's very concerned about the teacher-student relationship that's alleged to have been involved in these allegations."
On Tuesday, Rochester Community Schools announced that, following an internal investigation, they'd fired a teacher over "inappropriate conduct" with students during after-school hours. The district's superintendent said school officials contacted law enforcement, and that parents and school staff had been notified of the situation.
While defense attorney Zachary Glaza acknowledged that one alleged victim was in Houghtaling's class, he told the court that the student had a reading impediment and was not disabled.
Houghtaling was taken to the Oakland County jail following Friday' hearing, with her next next court appearance is scheduled for January 24 She faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted.