New Court Dates Set in Underage Drinking Case Against Hartland Principal

FENTON — The case over whether School Principal Tracey Sahouri and her husband at their child's graduation party remains headed toward a trial.

Fenton District Court Judge Mark C. McCabe set a 1 p.m. Oct. 26 pretrial hearing along with a possible 8:30 a.m. Nov. 17 trial Thursday after attorneys met with the judge in his chambers.

Outside of court, Matt Norwood, Tracey Sahouri's attorney, said he had no comment.

The couple have maintain their innocence since the July 9 graduation party at their Argentine Township home in which authorities were called after a 16-year-old Linden girl needed medical assistance after drinking too much alcohol.

The Sahouris say uninvited guests brought the alcohol and once they became aware of the drinking and the girl's condition, they took action to stop the drinking and called authorities. But police contend they were aware of the drinking.

Violating the party host law is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days in jail and/or $1,000 fine.

Tracey Sahouri remains on the job at Creekside after determined the allegations against Sahouri weren't credible enough to take any employment action while the case is pending unless further evidence came to light.

The issue has divided some parents in the Hartland community, Tracey Sahouri should be fired or placed on administrative leave as the case plays out while others, citing a sterling reputation she enjoys in the community, say she should be given the benefit of the doubt and allowed to continue to work.