MUSCATINE, Iowa - Muscatine High School Principal Dennis Heiman is scheduled to appear on charges of simple misdemeanor assault at 8:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 6.

Muscatine County Attorney Gary R. Allison announced the filing of charges against Heiman Tuesday.

"We're going to plead not guilty to the charge tomorrow," Heiman's attorney, Robert DeKock, said this morning.

DeKock said the case then will be "… set down for some kind of hearing at a later time."

According to a press release from the county attorney's office, Heiman is alleged to have touched a 15-year-old female in a manner which was insulting or offensive. The charges allege the incident took place in the MHS building during the months of January or February 2003.

The charge carries a maximum of 30 days in jail and/or a fine of $500.

Muscatine Community School District Superintendent Tom Williams has said that Heiman, 54, was placed on paid administrative leave by the school district in September after a complaint was filed with the Muscatine Police Department alleging that Heiman had assaulted a female student.

Williams said today that Heiman will remain on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the assault charge. The final decision on Heiman's employment status with the district will be made by school administrators and the school board after the case is resolved in court.

"Nothing's been determined yet," Williams said. "We're still reviewing the information and those decisions will be made at a later time. We have to wait and allow him to exercise his rights."

Detective John Quinn began investigating the complaint when it was filed Sept. 9, according to Muscatine Police Capt. Mike Scott.

MHS Athletic Director Chuck Van Hecke became acting principal of MHS after Heiman was placed on administrative leave. Williams said Van Hecke will continue to serve as acting principal during Heiman's absence.

Heiman became principal at MHS in 1995. Before that, he was associate principal at MHS from 1992-94, an instructor at Iowa Central Community College from 1979-91 and a high school teacher at Pittsfield, Ill. from 1972-79.

Cynthia Beaudette can be reached at 563-263-2331 (ext. 323) or by e-mail at cynthia.beaudette@muscatinejournal.com