Alameda Man —Teacher in Union City — Arrested on Suspicion of Child Molestation

A longtime Union City teacher who lives in Alameda was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of engaging in sexual acts with a minor, authorities said.

Michael William Howey, 47, a third grade teacher at Alvarado Elementary School, is accused of 17 counts of lewd and lascivious acts with a child under 14 and 23 counts of annoying and molesting a child, according to the Union City Police Department.

According to police, authorities began investigating Howey on April 12 after receiving information from an adult witness alleging that Howey had engaged in criminal misconduct with a female student.

Howey was immediately put on administrative leave, authorities said.

Investigators interviewed a number of students at the elementary school and learned of additional allegations of misconduct.

A warrant was served Wednesday at Howey's home in Alameda and he was arrested without incident. He is being held on a $1,500,000 bail, according to police.

Howey has no criminal history or prior arrests, police said.

According to New Haven Unified School District Chief Personnel Officer Derek McNamara, Howey is a 15-year veteran of the local school district and has taught various grade levels at both elementary and middle schools. Records show that he taught kindergarten in 2009.

Though he could not comment on the investigation, McNamara told Patch that Howey “has been a standout employee” with no previous accusations or violations.

According to past district releases, Howey led fundraising efforts in 2011 to provide relief to victims of the earthquake and nuclear crisis in Japan. In 2008, he served as New Haven’s “energy manager,” helping to reduce the district’s operational costs through energy-saving efforts.

Due to the nature of the allegations, support will be available for students and staff at the elementary school, according to the district.