(WWJ) A Detroit teacher has been arraigned on a charge of involuntary manslaughter in the death of his student, who drowned in the high school swimming pool.
Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy says it is alleged that 47-year-old Kareem Sigler of Detroit was grossly negligent by failing to supervise 15-year-old De’Sean Blanding, which resulted in the teen's death.
Sigler faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted.
“We are alleging that the evidence in this case shows that the death of Mr. Blanding could have been prevented," Worthy said, in a statement. "While swimming pools are certainly desirable, they can also be death traps without proper, necessary, and needed supervision and preparedness.”
Sigler was arraigned in 36th District Court Wednesday morning and ordered held on a $30,000 bond. If he is released on bond, the conditions include no drugs, alcohol, marijuana, illegal substances, firearms and no unsupervised contact with minor children.
At a news conference last March, Blanding's mother Christina Blanding said her son had blood coming from his mouth and a gash on his head, and believed he was a victim of roughhousing in the pool that turned deadly. She said she wants changes to state law to better protect mentally disabled students, and prevent bullying.
Sigler was suspended with pay following the incident. It's unclear if he is still employed with the school district.
He will be back in court for a Preliminary Examination is scheduled for June 3.