Trial or Dismissal — Next Step for Hartland School Administrator in Underage Drinking Case

FLINT — The underage drinking case against is headed for either a dismissal or trial next week, said her attorney Michael Manley after parties informally agreed not to hold a scheduled hearing Wednesday.

Manley said Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton received the results of the defense's investigation last week that Manley says vindicates Sahouri and her husband Raed from allegations that they allowed underage drinking during their child's graduation party July 9 at their Argentine Township home

"It's my understanding (Leyton will) be meeting with police and there will be a decision," Manley said. "As far as I'm concerned it's a date certain and we're prepared. We plan on vindicating Mr. and Mrs. Sahouri."

The Hartland Patch could not immediately reach Leyton for comment Wednesday.

The trial is scheduled to start 9 a.m. Dec. 8 before 67th District Judge Mark McCabe.

Police say evidence shows the Sahouris were aware of underage teenage drinking but did nothing to stop it until a 15-year-old Linden girl became so intoxicated she needed to be hospitalized. The Sahouris say were unaware of any illegal drinking until they discovered the girl needed help and then they called authorities.

Manley says the defense's investigation shows that witnesses who according to police say the Sahouris knew about the drinking now have recanted and say they didn't give police such accounts. In addition, he said parents who were at the party support what the witnesses said.

Previously, Manley has called and accused its chief of pursuing the case because he's running for sheriff in 2012. The chief denies the accusations, saying the case was built around solid police work and they had no other choice but to issue tickets.

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

Tracey Sahouri currently is an assistant principal at . She was principal at until the district involving what the Michigan Department of Education says was security breach with this year's MEAP test.

The MDE plans to release a final report Thursday.