After being cleared in a courtroom, Kevin Doerfler looks to the future
PORTAGE, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) - It's been nearly a week since a jury found Portage Schools Assistant Principal Kevin Doerfler not guilty of sexually assaulting a student.
Doerfler has been on paid administrative leave since he was charged with criminal sexual conduct in 2015. Now that he's been cleared of that charge his lawyer tells us he is expecting to go back to work.
After months of trying to clear his name, that day finally came for Doerfler when he was found not guilty of criminal sexual conduct.
"He and his wife and daughter have remained resolute throughout this matter that the truth would be known and he would be vindicated," said Doerfler's attorney Randall Levine.
Doerfler was accused of touching a then 13 year old student's breast in a classroom full of students and a teacher in January of 2015.
During the trial the female student and two other students testified about the incident, but Doerfler's attorney argued that three students had a negative history with Doerfler, which may have influenced the claim.
"Kevin Doerfler is a man of strong faith and he was able to use his faith throughout the process to endure the process," said Levine.
Doerfler has been with the Portage School district since 2013, Levine says Doerfler is anxious to get back to the business of educating students but is that possible in the Portage School district? Levine believes it is.
"I expect he will be called back to work as the assistant principal of Portage West Middle School and when he returns he'll have the support of the principal as well as the entire faculty," said Levine.
Newschannel 3 reached out to Portage Schools for an on camera comment, no one was available, however a spokesperson released this statement;
"Portage Public Schools acknowledges that this has been a long and difficult situation for all involved. The district will be reviewing the outcome of the trial and determining the appropriate steps after spring break."
The district spokesperson tells Newschannel 3 that they have been in contact with Doerfler and a decision about his future with the school district will come in the next few weeks.
