CAPAC — Longtime Capac Elementary School Principal David Rees' employment contract was terminated on Thursday.
According to a public statement released by the district on Friday, the school board took action at their regular meeting to terminate the contractual relationship with Rees, 62, "for the reason that he has been convicted of the misdemeanor of indecent exposure in Macomb County."
David Rees
Pursuant to state law, Schools Supt. Jerry Jennex said in the press release, individuals like Rees who have been convicted of certain crimes, including some misdemeanors, may not be employed by a Michigan school district.
Jennex, the district received information about his conviction last week.
An arrest report from the Utica Police Department states that Rees was apprehended around 5:30 p.m. on June 17 after police responded to a report of a male "masturbating in open view to (the complainant) and others who were in the park," referring to Heritage Park..
The police officer stopped Rees as he was leaving the park in his vehicle. Rees allegedly said "he was just urinating in public."
The complainant, a 46-year-old male Utica resident, provided a written statement. According to the police report, the complainant was about 20 feet away from the victim.
Rees was arrested, his vehicle impounded and he was released after posting a cash bond of $100.
Records from the 41-A District Court office in Shelby Twp. indicate a pre-trial hearing was held on August 26. According to the court clerk the case has been deferred for one year. Court records also indicate that Rees paid $450 in fees.
Kathy Kish, high school assistant principal, has stepped in to serve as acting elementary administrator, Jennex said.
Rees started his career in the Capac district in August of 1996. He began working as a contractual employee in August 2008, Jennex said.
