SOUTHFIELD, Mich. – A music teacher was charged with criminal sexual conduct involving children and we’re learning how far back the concerns went in one school district.
The man facing several sex crimes charges, right now, is Lamar Willis.
According to court documents, Lamar Willis is facing four counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct and three counts of accosting children for immoral purposes; all the offenses happened in January 2022.
Southfield Public Schools sent a letter notifying parents and guardians Dec. 18 that they started investigating allegations against Willis back in March and he’d resigned in June. It would be several more months before any criminal charges.
In the letter, SPS explained this all started with allegations of inappropriate behavior involving Lamar Willis in March 2023. That’s when they launched their own internal investigation and put Willis on immediate suspension. In June, he resigned and from what the district knows of he has had no contact with their students or staff since then. The district also mentioned they are reviewing their policies and protocols to make sure they are providing a safe environment for all.
Willis also worked with Detroit Public Schools Community District; they tell us he was recently placed on administrative leave.
“Per district policy, Mr. Willis was placed on administrative leave 12/15 following an alert from the Southfield prosecutor’s office of pending criminal charges. He was hired by the district in the fall. At the time of his hire there were no known criminal or misconduct records,” said DPSCD spokesperson Chrystal Wilson.
Local 4 reached out to Willis’ attorney but have not heard back.