Chippewa Valley teacher accused of having sexual contact with student

Macomb County Prosecutor Erik Smith says, "over the course of three weeks, there were over 600 texts between the two of them. That is not your normal teacher-student interaction, obviously." 

School authorities say Cowles was hired last year as a CTE (Career Technical Education) teacher to fill a vacancy. They say he underwent and passed a criminal background check.

"With her (victim) going forward and us feeling very confident about our case, we will be able to take Christopher Cowles out of school districts forever," says Smith.

One Chippewa Valley student say Cowles, "would talk about girls in the school and how cute they were." One student even mentioned how awkward and uncomfortable they felt being in Cowles classroom. 

Cowles is currently on unpaid administrative leave and is barred from school property and events. He also faces permanent dismissal from Chippewa valley Schools.  

Cowles entered a not guilty plea, and a judge set his bond at $250,000.