Former Seaholm Student Waives Preliminary Hearing, Case Sent to Circuit Court

Courtney Thomas, the 18-year-old former student charged with ethnic intimidation, waived his right to a preliminary hearing Tuesday morning at 48th District Court.

The case will now go to the Oakland County Circuit Court in Pontiac, with an arraignment date still be determined.

Preliminary examinations are used to determine if there is enough evidence for a case to proceed to trial. Waiving the hearing ensures the case moves on to trial.

to one count of ethnic intimidation May 18 after on the walls of a Seaholm restroom April 20. If convicted, he faces up to two years in prison or a $5,000 fine.

Tuesday was Thomas’s second pre-exam hearing. , Thomas’s lawyer Wendy Barnwell received a continuance from Judge Diane D’Agostini of the pre-exam period in order to gather more information.

Administrators from Seaholm are still investigating several other racial incidents that occurred at the school following the initial discovery of the graffiti April 20. Birmingham Schools spokeswoman Marcia Wilkinson said there are no new developments but the school will continue its investigation into the summer as it receives new information. Friday is the last day of school for Birmingham students.

There is currently a tip line open for parents and students to anonymously leave tips on the incidents, while the for any tips concerning the other incidents.

Thomas, who was a senior at Seaholm when the incident occurred, graduated but was barred from participating in commencement activities June 5. He is currently out on personal bond with a 7 p.m. curfew and a stipulation to stay away from Seaholm and the four students targeted in the graffiti.

To leave a tip, call the Seaholm tip line at 248-203-3737.