Center Line

CLHS teacher charged with criminal sexual conduct

By Maria Allard
C & G Staff Writer

Jeff Barbieri

CENTER LINE — A Center Line High School teacher turned himself in to Center Line Public Safety May 18 after a warrant was issued for him on a criminal sexual conduct in the third degree charge.

Social studies teacher Jeff Barbieri, 33, was arraigned on the same day before Judge Jennifer Faunce in Warren’s 37th District Court on charges he allegedly had sex with a 17-year-old CLHS female senior over a two-month period. The student is not currently enrolled in any of his classes.

A $15,000 cash surety bond was set, and Barbieri reportedly posted bond. A preliminary examination is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. May 27 in Center Line’s 37th District Court.

CLPS Detective Robert Wroblewski said the student and Barbieri reportedly met four times from February through April of this year at the Holiday Express Inn located on 11 Mile Road near Hoover. 

Different variables in the relationship led to the CSC charge. CSC is a felony punishable by imprisonment for not more than 15 years.

While the legal age of consent is 16 to have sex in Michigan, Barbieri was charged with the crime because he was in a position of authority during the alleged encounters, which is against Michigan law.

Barbieri’s attorney, Joseph Kosmala, could not be reached for comment at press time.

Wroblewski said a former CLHS student notified Center Line Public Schools Superintendent Judy Pritchett of the alleged sexual relationship.

After an investigation, CLPS notified Pritchett of the charges May 15. Pritchett said the teacher was placed on administrative leave from the school district May 4, and “will remain on leave indefinitely during this process.”

The District Crisis Team was available to provide support for students, staff and parents. On May 15, school officials sent a letter via U.S. mail to inform the high school parents of the charges.

“We will continue to offer our concern and support for those involved and directly affected by this situation,” Pritchett said. 

Barbieri has been teaching at the high school since 2000. The educator also began coaching several sports in 2001. On Oct. 30 2008, the CLHS administrators did not renew his coaching contract. At the time, school officials did not publicly disclose why the decision was made.

The move upset a great deal of students and parents who expressed their concerns at a Board of Education meeting Nov. 10. Those who spoke indicated Barbieri — a husband and father of one — was a dedicated coach and role model, and couldn’t understand why he was released him from his coaching duties.

“The coaching situation did not have anything to do with the current charges,” Pritchett said. “He resigned as the boys soccer coach in December and was coaching the girls soccer team until he was put on administrative leave on May 4. The varsity boys coach and the JV girls coach are completing the season with the team.”

In the meantime, a substitute teacher has been assigned to teach Barbieri’s classes.

You can reach C & G Staff Writer Maria Allard at allard@candgnews.com or at (586)498-1045.