Ex-Lansing police officer who was assigned to local school charged with sexual assault

LANSING — A former Lansing police officer has been charged with sexual assault and distributing obscene material to children in connection with his assignment to a local high school.

Matthew Priebe was the resource officer at Eastern High School until he was placed on administrative leave May 31 after several students came forward with concerns about inappropriate behavior. 

Priebe was charged Tuesday with second-degree criminal sexual conduct, attempted fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct, misconduct in office, two counts of assault and battery and distributing obscene material to children. 

The charges were issued by Livingston County Prosecutor William Vailliencourt. Ingham County Prosecutor Carol Siemon recused her office from the case. 

Lansing Police Chief Mike Yankowski said he was disappointed in Priebe's actions. 

"We do not condone his actions," Yankowski said. "We will not tolerate that behavior at LPD." 

Yankowski noted that Priebe was placed on administrative leave as soon as the department found out about the allegations in May. Before their internal investigation was completed, Priebe resigned. 

"His actions were not to the standards of a Lansing police officer," Yankowski said. 

A message left with Priebe's attorney, Kurt Krause, was not returned. 

On one of the student's cell phones, police found a FaceTime video of Priebe undressing in what appeared to be a locker room, showing his tattoos, according to the police report. 

Michigan State Police investigated Priebe after several students came forward alleging Priebe had engaged in inappropriate behavior with them, according to the police report. 

Priebe resigned June 22 as State Police were investigating his actions. He had been with the Lansing Police Department for 10 years. 

Lansing School District spokesperson Bob Kolt said the district is conducting its own internal investigation into the sexual assault allegations. Kolt declined to make any further statements about Priebe's actions. He also said he did not know when the district would conclude its investigation. 

Another school resource officer has taken Priebe's position at Eastern High School, Yankowski said. 

Priebe is due to appear in court March 1 for a probable cause conference. He was released on a $25,000 personal recognizance bond. 

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Contact Kara Berg at 517-377-1113 or kberg@lsj.com. Follow her on Twitter @karaberg95.