Michael Peterson, 62, of Ortonville was one of four men arraigned for alleged involvement in soliciting sex with men at Richfield County Park on June 13, at the 67th District Court in Davison by Magistrate Cora Gregory.
He was released on $2,000 personal recognizance bond and entered a plea of not guilty.
If convicted, they could face up to 90 days in jail and a maximum fine of $500 for the misdemeanor charges. A pretrial is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. July 1 in the Davison district court.
Peterson who was the Brandon High School assistant principal stepped down on June 17 after meeting with school officials, said Bart Jenniches, Brandon school district superintendent.
‘Michael did a good job with the district,? said Jenniches. He chose to retire at this time on his own.?
Jenniches said Peterson has been with the district for about 38 years where he served as a math teacher, athletic director and assistant principal.
Peterson was arrested on May 9 after two sting operations at Genesee County’s Richfield Park, a family park that’s home to baseball fields, playgrounds, and pavilions.
Peterson was one of eight arrested for soliciting sex from undercover male officers at the park, said Capt. Chris Swanson of the Genesee County Sheriff Department.
‘Our department responded because of complaints coming in from legitimate patrons of the park. We went in not to be the morality police, but to enforce laws,? said Swanson, explaining complaints were becoming more elaborate as sex solicitors became bolder.
‘It’s not that we agree or disagree with the culture, just don’t do it at a public park.?
Phone calls to Peterson were not returned to The Citizen.