Former Kingsley Middle School Principal Karl Hartman is facing eight criminal charges, following his second preliminary hearing Tuesday.
Hartman was a teacher and principal at Kingsley schools for over 30 years.
In January, he resigned after former students accused him of sexual assault and allegedly giving them alcohol as minors.
Prosecuting Attorney Kyle Atwood says his office dropped three charges Tuesday after one of the victims decided to leave the case.
“There’s a whole host of emotions and trauma that you have to process and sometimes just getting past the first step is a big thing," he says. "And what comes after that is often exceedingly difficult. So we’re not going to push someone to testify when they’re not ready to testify.”
Two other charges were included Tuesday after more victims came forward.
Atwoodsays the total charges include one count of criminal sexual conduct in the first degree, four counts of criminal sexual conduct in the second degree, one count of accosting a minor for immoral purposes and two counts of furnishing alcohol to minors.
Atwood says criminal sexual conduct in the first degree can carry a life sentence.
Hartman has pled not guilty to all charges. His next court appearance will be in early September.
