Small Town News

Former teacher sentenced on assault charges

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After a long delay for an appeals process, a former Hillman high school teacher was sentenced for two assault and battery charges stemming from improper contact with two students between 1998 and 2001. Michael W. Wojda, age 53, of Alpena, was in 88th District court in Atlanta on Friday for the sentencing hearing.

Wojda entered a no contest plea in March of 2006, however he appealed the case in an effort to keep his name off the Michigan sex offender list as part of the sentencing. The 26th Circuit Court and the Michigan Appeals Court turned down the appeal, and the Michigan Supreme Court chose not to hear the case.

At Friday's hearing, defense council Lisa Kirsch-Satawa asked Judge Theodore O. Johnson to allow them to withdraw the plea, claiming that Wojda maintains his innocence. Johnson denied the motion, noting that no changes in jail time have been made since the plea was entered.

Defense also asked court to disallow sentencing because it must occur within one year of a verdict. Judge Johnson denied this motion, saying that the time spent appealing the verdict does not count towards the one year time limit on sentencing.

Having exhausted the defense petitions, Judge Johnson moved on to sentencing. Wojda's attorney presented a letter of reference from his employer, and also spoke of his commitment to the community. She also noted that there have not been any allegations against Wojda since the charges were made in 2005. Finally she questioned how accurate the allegations against Wojda were as the incidents in question took place at least four years before the charges were made. These arguments were made to try to convince the judge to keep Wojda off the sex offender list.

In her counter argument, prosecutor Terrie Case said that police had spoken to numerous students who claimed to have received inappropriate attention of a sexual nature by Wojda. She also read a letter from one of the victims in the assault case, describing not just the trauma of the incident, but also the trauma of the breach of trust she had in her teacher.

Judge Johnson said that trust was an issue for him, in deciding whether to place Wojda on the sex offenders list. 'You are in a position of trust," Johnson said, "and that trust was clearly violated in this case. Your conduct was clearly sexual in nature, and should not be tolerated."

Wojda was ordered to serve one year of probation, and pay $ 1,526 in fines and costs. He will appear on the Michigan sex offender list for 25 years. He was also ordered to attend counseling, at the discretion of his probation officer. He will not serve jail time initially, but a sentence of 93 days will be held in abeyance, should he not comply with the terms of probation.

Other actions in 88th District Court last week included:

Jaron R. Johnson, of Lachine, was sentenced for operating a vehicle while impaired, second offense. He will serve 180 days in jail and one year of probation. He will also attend outpatient substance abuse treatment program, and pay $ 1,231 in fines and costs.

George D. Boczkowski, of Roseville, was sentenced for operating a vehicle while intoxicated. He will serve one year of probation, attend an outpatient treatment program, and pay $823 in fines and costs.

Lance S. Deacons, of Omer, will serve one year of probation and pay $546 for underage drinking, and violating license restrictions.

Andrzej Jokobek, of Sterling Heights, will pay $453 for driving on a suspended license.

Theresa M. Amnions, of Atlanta, will pay $403 for driving on a suspended license.

Chad M. Kamen, of Atlanta, will pay $303 for violating license restrictions.



Copyright 2010 The Montmorency County Tribune, Atlanta, Michigan. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from SmallTownPapers, Inc.

© 2010 The Montmorency County Tribune Atlanta, Michigan. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

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