An Indiana high school teacher who retired after he was reportedly filmed slapping a student last month is facing criminal charges in connection with the incident.
WBND reported that Michael Hosinski, 61, was arrested on March 3 for misdemeanor battery, but the charges were formally filed on Monday in Elkhart County. Hosinski was a social studies teacher at Jimtown High School — where he allegedly slapped a 15-year-old student on February 25 while confronting him about a hoodie he wore to class.
An Elkhart County detective recommended Hosinski be charged with a felony. Elkhart County Judge Dean Burton concluded on Friday that there was only sufficient probable cause for a misdemeanor charge, according to the South Bend Tribune.
Surveillance footage from February 25 apparently showed Hosinski cornering the student in the hallway and wagging a finger in the student’s face. He is then seen striking the student with his open right hand, causing the student’s head to hit the wall.
Police said an officer observed multiple abrasions on the student. The teen claimed the strike left him with a throbbing head and a bloody nose and lip, the Tribune reported.
Hosinski notified officials that he was retiring in June after almost 40 years on the job. Last Monday, the Baugo school board voted unanimously to approve his early retirement — meaning he will receive full benefits and a pension.
According to the Tribune, school officials say they have contacted licensing officials with the Indiana Department of Education regarding last month’s incident. The agency said they are working with Jimtown High School amid their investigation.
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[Featured image: Jimtown High School]
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