Trial date set for former Eisenhower band teacher
A February trial date has been set for the former Eisenhower High School band director for one of two cases in which he is accused of improper sexually-related conduct with students.
Christopher Traskal, 43, of Sterling Heights, was charged a year ago in two cases for alleged behavior involving female students with whom he had contact.
In one case out of Shelby Township, he is accused of sending sexually suggestive texts in August 2019 to a 17-year-old female, charged with child sexual abusive activity and using a computer to commit a crime, both felonies.
At a pretrial hearing last week, Judge Jennifer Faunce set a Feb. 17 trial date in Macomb County Circuit Court, although whether a trial can be held then in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic should be predetermined by January. Jury trials are currently forbidden at the court due to the pandemic but could be lifted if the spread slows significantly by then.
The trial date setting came after Faunce on Oct. 29 denied a legal motion by Traskal’s attorney to “quash,” or dismiss, the charges.
Meanwhile, the second case, which arose after the first case became public in October 2019, involves alleged illicit touching of a female student two times in Sterling Heights in 2009. He is charged with two counts of fourth- degree criminal sexual conduct, punishable by up to two years behind bars.
That case had been scheduled for a court hearing Wednesday in 41A District Court in Sterling Heights, but it was adjourned Monday to an indefinite date, according to the court.
Traskal has posted $50,000 bonds in each court.