Monday, February 19, 2018

Leonardtown Middle School Dance Incident


 
UPDATE:
 
A juvenile female, age 13, from Leonardtown, Maryland, was charged with False Report in reference to this investigation.  The juvenile provided statements which were conclusively refuted from video surveillance reviewed.  The juvenile was charged and released to a parent and is awaiting disposition from the Department of Juvenile Justice. 
 
On February 16, 2018, an allegation of inappropriate touching was made by a female student who was attending a school sponsored dance at Leonardtown Middle School, located on Pt. Lookout Road, in Leonardtown, Maryland.  The student stated a male chaperone, who is not employed with St. Mary’s County Public Schools, touched her and made her feel uncomfortable.  When the allegation was reported, the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office and St. Mary’s County Public Schools immediately launched a joint investigation. 
 
During the course of the investigation deputies collaborated with school officials, interviewed witnesses, spoke with parents, and reviewed video surveillance footage of the reported incident. The initial allegation was not supported by video evidence reviewed during the investigation. 
 
This incident is under review and the Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with any information to contact Deputy First Class Schultz at (301) 475-4200 extension *1953 or by email at Austin.Schultz@stmarysmd.com.  The St. Mary’s County Public Schools have fully cooperated with this investigation; both the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office and St. Mary’s County Public Schools remain committed to ensuring the safety and welfare of all students.