Crime & Safety

Teacher Arrested on Molestation Charges Was Seen Hugging, Kissing 9-Year-Old

Additional victims also reported being kissed and touched inappropriately, according to media reports.

The investigation of a Union City elementary school teacher charged with molesting eight female students began after a witness saw him hugging and kissing a 9-year-old student on her cheek, according to media reports.

Michael William Howey, 47, a third grade teacher at Alvarado Elementary School, was arrested at his home in Alameda on Wednesday and is being held at the Santa Rita Jail in Dublin in lieu of $1.5 million bail. [Note: The Alameda County District Attorney's office lists his last name as "Howry."]

On Friday, the Alameda County District Attorney's Office charged Howey with three counts of lewd and lascivious acts on a child under the age of 14 and five counts of child molestation.

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The San Francisco Chronicle reports that a Union City detective noted in an affidavit that Howey hung his head, cried and "admitted he had made 'some mistakes'" after his arrest.

The Chronicle also reports that the investigation stems from an April allegation by a school employee who said she saw Howey hugging and kissing the girl in his classroom during recess.

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According to Union City police, the investigation began on April 12, at which point Howey was put on administrative leave. Investigators interviewed a number of students at the elementary school and learned of additional allegations of misconduct.

Those allegations include kissing, hugging and touching female students inappropriately, the Chronicle reports.

According to the New Haven Unified School District, Howey has worked in the district for 15 years and has taught various grade levels at both elementary and middle schools, including kindergarten. 

Howey has no criminal history or prior arrests, according to police. District administrators added that Howey was a "standout" employee with no previous accusations or violations.

Read the full Chronicle report here. 

RELATED:

  • Update: Union City Teacher Charged with Molesting 8 Female Students

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