Photo courtesy of the Marinette High School Marinette High School Principal Justin Bardowski, of Menominee, pleaded not guilty to battery and disorderly conduct.

MARINETTE — The Marinette, Wisconsin High School principal placed on administrative leave in January pleaded not guilty Monday to battery and disorderly conduct charges stemming from an alleged incident involving his former girlfriend.

Justin J. Bardowski, of Menominee, entered the plea Monday in the Marinette County Court. The court also set a $5,000 signature bond with conditions.

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 charges stem from an alleged incident in October 2022 at the Four Seasons Resort in Pembine, Wis., where Bardowski allegedly assaulted his former girlfriend, according to the criminal complaint.

Det. Jeremiah Haile of the Marinette County Sheriff’s Office interviewed Bardowski’s ex-girlfriend and various witnesses in the case in March of this year.

According to the criminal complaint, Bardowski’s former girlfriend told Haile she and Bardowski were arguing on the balcony of their hotel room when Bardowski allegedly slapped her in the face. She also told Haile she fought back and hit Bardowski during the altercation.

The criminal complaint states the woman sustained a black eye and a split lip from the alleged assault. She also told police she photographed her injuries and sent the images to her neighbor before deleting them from her phone.

The neighbor was later interviewed by Haile and corroborated seeing the alleged photos of the woman’s injuries, according to the complaint.

Bardowski’s ex further told police she did not have transportation to leave the resort and hid behind a bush outside until another witness in the investigation arrived to pick her up in the early morning hours the next day.

When interviewed by police, that witness recounted a previous incident in which she allegedly saw Bardowski grab the ex by the shoulders and yell at her.

In April, the Marinette School District released a statement regarding the charges against Bardowski.

“The Marinette School District has been made aware of charges filed against MHS Principal, Justin Bardowski,” the district said. “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.” Bardowski is not currently in custody. According to Wisconsin Circuit Court records, Bardowski is scheduled to return to court Aug. 11 for a status conference. His attorney is listed as Lee D. Schuchart.