QUINCY, MI (WTVB) – Attorney Robert Huber said during a special meeting of the Quincy School Board Friday night that his investigation into the conduct of two administrators concerning allegations against former teacher Jason Ferrell is temporarily suspended until the Branch County Sheriff’s Department completes its investigation. Once the Sheriff’s Department has finished, then Huber will be allowed to continue.
Superintendent Craig Artist and high school principal David Spalding remain on administrative leave with pay.
Huber read an e-mail he sent Thursday to Sheriff’s Department Detective Sgt. Mike Gatke in which he said, “there existed a significant prospect that my investigation and that conducted by the Branch County Sheriff’s Department would intersect in a way that could potentially impact and possibly complicate the efforts of your office as you continue with your investigation.”
Huber concerns were discussed not only with the Sheriff’s Department but with the Branch County Prosecutors Office as well. Huber said he was acting upon a request made by the Sheriff’s Department.
While answering questions from the audience, Huber said “I am not saying there is an active criminal investigation specifically against the administrators but they are part of the investigation that is ongoing.”
Many in the Quincy community have raised questions about how past and present Quincy school administrators managed allegations against former teacher Jason Ferrell.
Ferrell is facing criminal sexual conduct charges in both Branch and Calhoun County. The Branch County charges were filed in connection with alleged incidents involving one of his former students. Ferrell was a 20 year employee of the Quincy School District before resigning last January when he was confronted with allegations of improper behavior.
