By Julie Snyder
C & G Staff Writer

ST. CLAIR SHORES — A South Lake High School teacher is accused of criminal sexual conduct with two teenage students.

Culinary arts teacher Melissa Lavender, 33, stood mute as she was arraigned in 40th District Court Aug. 6 on charges that she engaged in several acts of gross misconduct of a sexual nature with the two male South Lake High School students.

According to police, the incident between Lavender and the two male students occurred the evening of June 26 and the early morning of June 27 on a former student’s parent’s boat docked at a St. Clair Shores marina.

St. Clair Shores Police Detective Hank Bergeron said Lavender was the only teacher on the boat that evening along with eight former and current South Lake students. Several witnesses reported to police on July 28 that Lavender had inappropriate contact with two current students who were 16 and 17 at the time.

Alcohol was reportedly involved in the incident, Bergeron said.

Lavender’s attorney Mike Dennis waived the formal arraignment, meaning the allegations were not explained in the courtroom.

“She has no prior criminal record,” Dennis said of his client. “She is innocent at this time.”

Judge Joseph Oster released Lavender on a $25,000 personal bond with several conditions. She must have no contact with unrelated minors unless under supervision, she is unable to enter South Lake High School and she must undergo random Breathalyzer testing four times a day.

“I do not find you to be a flight risk,” Oster told Lavender.

Lavender is facing two counts of criminal sexual conduct in the fourth degree. A preliminary examination is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 26.

Lavender, who was employed with the district for close to five years, was suspended from her job on July 29, said South Lake Schools Superintendent Deborah Thompson.

“Right now we’re cooperating with the local police in the investigation,” Thompson said.

Thompson said district officials are also working with the parents and students.

“In unusual cases such as this, our first priority is to follow policies and procedures that ensure the safety and support of our students and well as protecting the rights of the teacher,” Thompson said.

Lavender is married and a mother of two young children.