Marinette High School Principal Justin Bardowski, of Menominee, has been charged with disorderly conduct and battery. (Photo courtesy of the Marinette High School)

MARINETTE — Marinette High School Principal Justin Bardowski, of Menominee, was recently charged with disorderly conduct and battery after being placed on administrative leave in January.

Bardowski, 41, faces one count of battery, a Class A misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $10,000 and/or up to nine months imprisonment; and one count of disorderly conduct, a Class B misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and/or up to 90 days imprisonment.

The high school principal was placed on administrative leave in January amidst the Marinette County Sheriff Office’s investigation.

The charges stem from an alleged incident that occurred in October 2022 when, according to the criminal complaint, Bardowski allegedly assaulted his ex-girlfriend while staying at the Four Seasons Resort in Pembine, Wis.

In an interview with Det. Jeremiah Haile of the Marinette County Sheriff’s Office, Bardowski’s ex alleges that after checking into the room at the resort, Bardowski wanted to go to the pool.

When the ex told Bardowski she did not bring a swimsuit, he allegedly told her she could only wear her intimates to the pool. The ex told Haile she refused to do so, because families were present in the area, and it was not an adults-only resort.

During her interview with Haile, the ex alleged it was at this point that Bardowski became extremely angry and went to the bar. According to the criminal complaint, the ex eventually went down to the bar before both returned to their room and began arguing on the balcony.

She further told Haile that during the argument, Bardowski allegedly slapped her in the face and flicked her in the face. Haile noted in his report that the ex stated she fought back and hit Bardowski while on the balcony.

The ex allegedly sustained a black eye and a split lip during the incident, and she stated she took photos of her injuries and sent them to her neighbor before deleting them from her phone. She also alleged Bardowski forced her to watch or listen to an explicit video throughout the night.

The ex’s neighbor in the case was also interviewed by Haile in his investigation and corroborated the alleged photos of Bardowski’s ex’s injuries, according to the criminal complaint.

While the neighbor told police he did not personally witness events of alleged altercations between Bardowski and the ex, the ex had allegedly confided in the neighbor regarding issues in her relationship with Bardowski, including arguments, verbal conflicts and concerning behavior.

The ex also alleged she later waited for Bardowski to “pass out” before leaving the hotel. The criminal complaint states she did not have transportation to leave the resort and allegedly hid behind a bush outside until another witness in the investigation arrived to pick her up in the early morning hours the next day.

The witness who picked Bardowski’s ex up from the resort told police about another alleged incident when she was at the ex’s residence and Bardowski showed up intoxicated. The witness alleges Bardowski grabbed the ex around the shoulders and yelled at her, as Bardowski seemed to believe there was another man at the ex’s residence, according to the witness.

The criminal complaint further states the witness estimates the relationship between Bardowski and the ex lasted approximately six years and believed the incidents she described to police occurred approximately three to five years ago.

Additionally, Bardowski’s ex alleges that during her time with him, he drank on the job.

The following statement was shared with Marinette School District families earlier this week:

“The Marinette School District has been made aware of charges filed against MHS Principal, Justin Bardowski. We are in the process of reviewing the allegations and will conduct an investigation pursuant to District policies. While the District investigates, Principal Bardowski will remain on administrative leave. As this is a confidential personnel matter, we will not share any further details.

Thank you.”

Marinette School District Superintendent Corry Lambie told the Daily Press that Assistant Principal/Activities Director Dean Furton and Dean of Students Lukas Maulding will continue providing administrative leadership and support.

“As we respect and protect the confidential nature of all matters involving District employees, we will not share any details as to our investigation as it proceeds,” said Lambie.

The Daily Press did not receive comment from Bardowski as of this publication.

According to Wisconsin Circuit Court records, Bardowski is set to appear in the Marinette County Court on May 18. His attorney is currently listed as Lee D. Schuchart.

—

Sophie Vogelmann can be reached at 906-786-2021 or svogelmann@dailypress.net.