Three children are testifying against the 61-year-old Oakland County teacher accused of touching students

HIGHLAND TWP, Mich. (FOX 2) – Three children took the stand Wednesday during a preliminary exam for an Oakland County substitute teacher charged with criminal sexual conduct for inappropriately touching young students in Highland Township.

Tim Daugherty, 61, was in court Wednesday for a preliminary exam on six counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct against young children at Spring Mills Elementary.

Three minors took the stand and due to their ages and the sensitivity of the allegations, FOX 2 was not allowed to record the testimony.

We spoke with one parent, who identified herself only as Ericka, about the charges they expect.

“It’s scary for the children. We have confidence in the justice system and we hope everything goes in the right direction,” Ericka said.

The first allegations were reported to police in April 2024 and Daugherty was immediately suspended. The allegations against him involve inappropriate sexual contact with underage students.

Earlier this year, FOX 2 reported on Daugherty’s arrest after learning he was charged of allegedly touching children ages 9 to 11 above their clothing at Spring Mills Elementary School.

“It’s hard to imagine that one person could impact so many lives in such a way without showing remorse,” another parent said outside the courtroom Wednesday.

The case was taken to court after Wednesday’s investigation.

Tim Daugherty was due in court Wednesday after a preliminary hearing on sex crime charges.

Daugherty’s attorney, Roy Cassar, said he was disappointed the case went to trial but said the standard of proof was low.

“The three individuals liked this teacher. They all hugged him and said everyone hugged him. All the hugs were done in the classroom. Some of the hugs were in front of the other teachers. It wasn’t until one of the other students discovered or spoke to him with her mother saying maybe it was inappropriate that they suddenly started thinking this was inappropriate touching,” Cassar said.

Huron Valley Schools released a statement saying they are cooperating with law enforcement and have removed Daugherty from the classroom.

“Huron Valley Schools will continue to cooperate fully with law enforcement as the legal process progresses. Mr. Daugherty, a third-party contract substitute, was immediately removed from the district as soon as we were made aware of the allegations.”

The district says it takes student safety seriously.