Teacher apologizes for bugging colleague

FLUSHING, Mich. --A middle school science teacher charged with bugging a colleague's classroom has pleaded no contest in the case, saying her actions were embarrassing to her and her family.

Anne M. Harvey, 44, of Flushing apologized to the fellow teacher and following her plea Thursday was sentenced to six months of probation and 75 hours of community service. Harvey also was fined $250.

She originally was charged with attempted eavesdropping, a misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine. But she pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor charge of trespassing for eavesdropping.

A no contest plea is not an admission of guilt, but is treated as such for sentencing purposes.

Authorities said Harvey planted a wireless listening device on the back of a chair after her daughter complained about problems she was having with another teacher at Flushing Middle School.

Harvey, who has been with Flushing Community Schools for 10 years, was placed on paid leave after the device was found. Officials said she later returned to teaching at the district, but at another school.

Flushing is located about 60 miles northwest of Detroit.

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Information from: The Flint Journal, http://www.mlive.com/flintjournal