HIGHLAND PARK (WWJ) -- A former teacher in the Detroit area has been charged with grooming and sexually assaulting a student for several years, when the child was between 10 and 12 years old.
Vincent Weaver, 29, faces one count of first degree criminal sexual conduct, two counts of second degree criminal sexual conduct and one count of indecent exposure, according to the City of Highland Park.
Police said Weaver had worked at George Washington Carver Academy — a pre-K through 8th grade school in Highland Park — since 2023 as a fine arts teacher and also coached the school's dance team until he was fired earlier this month.
Authorities said Weaver was arrested at an offsite school event last Friday while wearing a disguise in hopes that he wouldn't be recognized.
Weaver stood mute to the charges during a video arraignment Monday afternoon.
His attorney stated that her client maintains his innocence and noted that he has no prior criminal record.
The magistrate, however, said Weaver is considered a flight risk and a danger to the public, ordering that he be held on a $250,000 cash/surety bond. If he does post bond and is released, Weaver must wear a GPS tether.
The magistrate also ordered that Weaver have no contact with the victim or any minor children.
In a statement, Superintendent Sylvia Brown said Weaver was terminated from his position with the school system following an internal investigation.
The complete statement reads:
"George Washington Carver Academy was recently made aware of an incident involving a teacher and student. We immediately notified law enforcement, placed the employee on suspension, and after an internal investigation, terminated their employment and removed them from campus.
"We are fully cooperating with the Highland Park Police in their ongoing investigation and please ask that you direct any further inquiries to them.
"Our immediate, top priority and focus remains the safety and well-being of our students and their families, and we are committed to supporting them with appropriate resources during this time.
"Thank you for your continued trust and support."