MI Teacher Charged After Taking Inappropriate Photos Of Students: Cops

LEELANAU COUNTY, MI — A former northern Michigan teacher is facing charges after taking inappropriate photos of students, according to the Leelanau County Sheriff's Office.

Elijah George, 26, of Traverse City, was charged with three counts of surveilling an unclothed person and three counts of using a computer to commit a crime. He was released from jail on a $5,000 bond. His next court date was not immediately scheduled.

If convicted on each surveilling an unclothed person charge, he faces up to six years in prison.

On Jan. 24, police started investigating the incident after receiving a complaint from Glen Lake Community Schools, where George worked as a band director for sixth grade through 12th grade students, officials said.

Investigators determined George was the teacher involved and executed several search warrants, including forensic examination of multiple devices George owned in the area, officials said.

Officers also searched a residence St. Clair County, with several results still pending, officials said.

George was arrested Thursday (Feb. 15) in connection with the incident in Marysville, officials said.

Glen Lake Community Schools Superintendent Jason Misner sent a letter to parents informing them that George resigned from his position amid the charges.

"We received an allegation that this employee was capturing pictures of students without their consent in the classroom," Misner said. "We quickly began an investigation in partnership with local law enforcement to ensure the safety and security of our students."