A 48-year-old former LakeVille teacher is behind bars this week, facing a slate of serious felony charges after court filings say a former student told judges the abuse began when she was in sixth grade. The defendant, identified as Matthew Chapin of Otisville, is being held in the Genesee County Jail, with a bond set at $100,000 for each charge. According to the filings, the alleged misconduct began during private tutoring sessions and escalated over time.
According to Cars 108/WCRZ, Chapin is charged with three counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and two counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct. The counts allege sexual conduct with a child under the age of 13, and the station reports that it reviewed court records detailing the accusations. The Michigan State Police investigated the case before it was bound over to Genesee County Circuit Court.
Court testimony, as summarized in the filings, indicates the alleged abuse began in one-on-one tutoring when the girl was in sixth grade and then escalated. Prosecutors have not released additional specifics while the case is pending.
Charges, bond and timeline
Judge Elizabeth A. Kelly set Chapin's bond at $100,000 per charge, and court records list a tentative trial date of September 15. Chapin remains in custody at the Genesee County Jail as the case moves through pretrial proceedings, according to Cars 108/WCRZ. At arraignment, prosecutors largely stuck to the formal reading of charges and offered little additional comment in open court.
What the charges mean
First-degree criminal sexual conduct in Michigan generally covers sexual penetration of a child under 13 and can carry a maximum penalty of life in prison. Second-degree criminal sexual conduct addresses other specified forms of sexual contact. As outlined by the Michigan Legislature, prosecutors will have to prove the statutory elements of those offenses at trial.
District response
LakeVille Community Schools Superintendent James Yake said Chapin has not worked for the district in more than 10 years and acknowledged that the allegations may be upsetting for students, families, and staff. District officials said they are cooperating with investigators and reviewing records to determine what, if any, additional steps might be appropriate. School leaders declined further comment while the criminal case is active.
The case is scheduled for trial in Genesee County and is expected to move through standard pretrial discovery and hearings before any jury is seated. Authorities and court filings have not identified any other potential victims. This story will be updated as new court documents are filed or official statements are released.
