In a recent verdict, Timothy Allen Daugherty, a 61-year-old former substitute teacher at Spring Mills Elementary School in Highland Township, was found guilty on Monday, May 12, 2025, of six counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct (CSC-II) against young students.
The Oakland County Circuit Court jury convicted Daugherty after a trial that exposed his predatory actions against multiple female students aged 9 to 11. This case has rocked the Huron Valley Schools community and raised serious concerns about student safety.
The crimes took place at Spring Mills Elementary School in Highland Township, part of the Huron Valley School District, with allegations first reported to law enforcement in April 2024.
Daugherty was charged in October 2024, and his trial culminated in a guilty verdict on May 12, 2025, in Oakland County. Following the conviction, his bond was revoked, and he was remanded to the Oakland County Jail to await sentencing on June 24, 2025.
Daugherty, a trusted teacher, was accused of inappropriate sexual contact with multiple students.
An investigation revealed that at least 10 young girls experienced predatory interactions with him while he served as a substitute teacher.
In October 2024, several victims, some as young as 9, bravely testified at a preliminary examination, detailing the assaults. The judge found sufficient evidence to proceed to trial, where the jury ultimately convicted Daugherty on all six counts of CSC-II, a felony involving sexual contact with minors under 13 or in cases where the perpetrator holds a position of authority, such as a teacher.
Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald condemned Daugherty’s actions, stating-
“Timothy Daugherty victimized the children he was supposed to nurture and protect. Parents expect schools to be a safe place for their children, and children should never have to fear their own teachers. Coming forward is never easy for victims, especially children. Thanks to them, Daugherty won’t be able to harm another student.”
Daugherty faces up to 15 years in prison for each count, along with lifetime electronic monitoring upon parole, as mandated by Michigan law for CSC-II convictions.
His sentencing is scheduled for June 24, 2025. The case has also spurred a civil lawsuit against the Huron Valley School District, with attorney Ven Johnson representing at least 11 families who claim the district failed to protect students, especially given prior allegations against Daugherty from 2016 that were dismissed without prejudice in 2017.
Additional Information
- Prior Allegations: Daugherty faced similar charges in 2016 for alleged sexual misconduct with a young girl, but the case was dismissed without prejudice in April 2017. Critics argue the Huron Valley School District should not have allowed him to work with children given this history.
- Community Outrage: Parents expressed frustration with the school district’s response, alleging they were dismissed, mocked, or blamed when raising concerns. This has fueled demands for stricter oversight of school staff.
- Civil Lawsuit: Beyond the criminal case, a civil suit filed by attorney Ven Johnson on behalf of affected families targets the Huron Valley School District and its hiring practices, potentially involving up to a dozen victims.
The allegations against Daugherty surfaced in April 2024, leading to his immediate suspension from the Huron Valley School District. He was initially released on a $75,000 bond with a GPS tether requirement pending trial. The case has highlighted the courage of young victims who came forward, as well as systemic issues in school safety protocols.
The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office conducted a thorough investigation, interviewing 16 children to build the case. Authorities encourage anyone with additional information to contact the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Highland Township Substation at 248-887-6240.
Reference to Indictment
For official details on the charges, refer to the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office press release or contact the office directly, as specific indictment documents are not publicly linked but are referenced in court proceedings reported by credible sources like The Oakland Press.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance in protecting children and ensuring schools remain safe havens for learning. Stay tuned for updates on Daugherty’s sentencing and the ongoing civil lawsuit.
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