Berkley DPS has completed and uploaded the 2022 Annual Report. This report provides simple and basic detail of the department functions and updates towards the accreditation process. Each section of the agency is highlighted, as sometimes there is almost too much info to share! Enjoy.
Clarenceville Teacher Convicted of Sexual Assault in Berkley
[Berkley, MI] — In August of 2020, numerous students from the Clarenceville school district came forward with sexual assault allegations against former Teacher Jason Debandt. In May of 2021, charges were issued from the Oakland County Prosecutor against Mr. Debandt for two (2) counts of Criminal Sexual Conduct 3rd Degree, One (1) count of Criminal Sexual Conduct 4th Degree, and two (2) counts of Distributing Sexually Explicit Material to minors, stemming from incidents ranging from 2012 to 2015 in the City of Berkley.
Trial began in the 6th Circuit Court of Oakland County on April 13, 2023. On April 21, 2023 the case was concluded and the jury found Jason Debandt Guilty on all 5 charges.
The victims in this case, both 16/17 at the time of the offenses, are beyond grateful for the jury who heard their voice, and the people in this case that stood by their side the entire time. Overall there were several students who had made allegations about the inappropriate contact the teacher had with them. The two victims in the Berkley incidents, were involving students who had come to the teachers home where the sexual assault occurred in 2011/12 and 2015.
Berkley Public Safety is proud of these girls for coming forward. “These young ladies were so brave to have their lives shared in front of strangers, and to be a voice for so many others who were too scared to say anything was amazing to see. These girls had to go through so much due to a teacher, taking advantage of their circumstances, to prey upon his students” (Lt. Andrew Hadfield)
Sentencing is scheduled for June 6, at 830am. Jason Debandt is currently in Oakland County Jail awaiting sentencing.
The Berkley Public Safety lobby is open for reporting 24 hours a day, or you make request an officer to make your home / location if desired. Call 248-658-3380 to make a report that is not life threatening. Emergency situations should still dial 911.