Concern about Forestville and Sherman Franklin Elementary Schools

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I know the family and have seen the email. It involves a former student and teacher at Forestville Elementary who were there then (2002) and the teacher is now at Franklin Sherman Elementary School. After intensive therapy, the victim was brave enough to come forward in December 2021. The police thought it was credible enough to obtain a warrant, search the teacher's house, and interview him. They did not find anything and he denied the allegations. This is not surprising if it happened 20 years ago and the teacher has any sense of self-preservation. The police lost interest due to a lack of evidence and FCPS did nothing. The victim was frustrated that he was not taken seriously and that the teacher was allowed to continue to have access to young children. He sent the email this week to some parents and FCPS administration (3/20/22). FCPS pressured the police to close the case, which they did on Monday (3/20/22!) without further investigation. I am 100% sure the allegations are true. The victim, understandably, wants to hold the teacher accountable and ensure he is not able to do the same to others. The teacher should not be around children. PLEASE PRESSURE FCPS TO DO THE RIGHT THING AND GET THE GUY OUT OF SCHOOLS!

If the case has been closed by the police, there is literally no basis for removing the teacher. Irrespective of whether the allegations are true -- and I have no idea if they are or are not -- it sets the absolute wrong standard to suspend or terminate someone based on claims that have been investigated and found not to warrant charges. If more evidence is developed or discovered in the future, then action can be taken. But you cannot and should not punish someone based solely on an allegation.

what is the mesage this gives to the children..keep your mouth shut because no one is going to believe you.

That's not the message it all. The message is that everyone is entitled to due process. Every allegation should be investigated. But action should not be taken if allegations are not corroborated.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I know the family and have seen the email. It involves a former student and teacher at Forestville Elementary who were there then (2002) and the teacher is now at Franklin Sherman Elementary School. After intensive therapy, the victim was brave enough to come forward in December 2021. The police thought it was credible enough to obtain a warrant, search the teacher's house, and interview him. They did not find anything and he denied the allegations. This is not surprising if it happened 20 years ago and the teacher has any sense of self-preservation. The police lost interest due to a lack of evidence and FCPS did nothing. The victim was frustrated that he was not taken seriously and that the teacher was allowed to continue to have access to young children. He sent the email this week to some parents and FCPS administration (3/20/22). FCPS pressured the police to close the case, which they did on Monday (3/20/22!) without further investigation. I am 100% sure the allegations are true. The victim, understandably, wants to hold the teacher accountable and ensure he is not able to do the same to others. The teacher should not be around children. PLEASE PRESSURE FCPS TO DO THE RIGHT THING AND GET THE GUY OUT OF SCHOOLS!

If the case has been closed by the police, there is literally no basis for removing the teacher. Irrespective of whether the allegations are true -- and I have no idea if they are or are not -- it sets the absolute wrong standard to suspend or terminate someone based on claims that have been investigated and found not to warrant charges. If more evidence is developed or discovered in the future, then action can be taken. But you cannot and should not punish someone based solely on an allegation.

Do you even realize the trauma a child goes through when in an environment that is suppose to be a safe space for him is destroyed because of an trusted adult. It takes an immense amount of courage to to relive the experience and then come out and report the abuser.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I know the family and have seen the email. It involves a former student and teacher at Forestville Elementary who were there then (2002) and the teacher is now at Franklin Sherman Elementary School. After intensive therapy, the victim was brave enough to come forward in December 2021. The police thought it was credible enough to obtain a warrant, search the teacher's house, and interview him. They did not find anything and he denied the allegations. This is not surprising if it happened 20 years ago and the teacher has any sense of self-preservation. The police lost interest due to a lack of evidence and FCPS did nothing. The victim was frustrated that he was not taken seriously and that the teacher was allowed to continue to have access to young children. He sent the email this week to some parents and FCPS administration (3/20/22). FCPS pressured the police to close the case, which they did on Monday (3/20/22!) without further investigation. I am 100% sure the allegations are true. The victim, understandably, wants to hold the teacher accountable and ensure he is not able to do the same to others. The teacher should not be around children. PLEASE PRESSURE FCPS TO DO THE RIGHT THING AND GET THE GUY OUT OF SCHOOLS!

I hope you were able to share your evidence with the police when they conducted their investigation? Were they receptive to it? Or did they just not come to the same 100% conclusion based upon what you provided them?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I know the family and have seen the email. It involves a former student and teacher at Forestville Elementary who were there then (2002) and the teacher is now at Franklin Sherman Elementary School. After intensive therapy, the victim was brave enough to come forward in December 2021. The police thought it was credible enough to obtain a warrant, search the teacher's house, and interview him. They did not find anything and he denied the allegations. This is not surprising if it happened 20 years ago and the teacher has any sense of self-preservation. The police lost interest due to a lack of evidence and FCPS did nothing. The victim was frustrated that he was not taken seriously and that the teacher was allowed to continue to have access to young children. He sent the email this week to some parents and FCPS administration (3/20/22). FCPS pressured the police to close the case, which they did on Monday (3/20/22!) without further investigation. I am 100% sure the allegations are true. The victim, understandably, wants to hold the teacher accountable and ensure he is not able to do the same to others. The teacher should not be around children. PLEASE PRESSURE FCPS TO DO THE RIGHT THING AND GET THE GUY OUT OF SCHOOLS!

+ 1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I know the family and have seen the email. It involves a former student and teacher at Forestville Elementary who were there then (2002) and the teacher is now at Franklin Sherman Elementary School. After intensive therapy, the victim was brave enough to come forward in December 2021. The police thought it was credible enough to obtain a warrant, search the teacher's house, and interview him. They did not find anything and he denied the allegations. This is not surprising if it happened 20 years ago and the teacher has any sense of self-preservation. The police lost interest due to a lack of evidence and FCPS did nothing. The victim was frustrated that he was not taken seriously and that the teacher was allowed to continue to have access to young children. He sent the email this week to some parents and FCPS administration (3/20/22). FCPS pressured the police to close the case, which they did on Monday (3/20/22!) without further investigation. I am 100% sure the allegations are true. The victim, understandably, wants to hold the teacher accountable and ensure he is not able to do the same to others. The teacher should not be around children. PLEASE PRESSURE FCPS TO DO THE RIGHT THING AND GET THE GUY OUT OF SCHOOLS!

If the case has been closed by the police, there is literally no basis for removing the teacher. Irrespective of whether the allegations are true -- and I have no idea if they are or are not -- it sets the absolute wrong standard to suspend or terminate someone based on claims that have been investigated and found not to warrant charges. If more evidence is developed or discovered in the future, then action can be taken. But you cannot and should not punish someone based solely on an allegation.

Do you even realize the trauma a child goes through when in an environment that is suppose to be a safe space for him is destroyed because of an trusted adult. It takes an immense amount of courage to to relive the experience and then come out and report the abuser.

Of course. These things are difficult. Proof is still needed, as hard as that is.

If I was this principal, I would be watching this teacher like a hawk. And if this teacher has any sense, he will ensure he is never alone in a small space with a child. Meaning, if a kid comes in from recess and you are the only one there, the door should be open and you should be close to it. Things like that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I know the family and have seen the email. It involves a former student and teacher at Forestville Elementary who were there then (2002) and the teacher is now at Franklin Sherman Elementary School. After intensive therapy, the victim was brave enough to come forward in December 2021. The police thought it was credible enough to obtain a warrant, search the teacher's house, and interview him. They did not find anything and he denied the allegations. This is not surprising if it happened 20 years ago and the teacher has any sense of self-preservation. The police lost interest due to a lack of evidence and FCPS did nothing. The victim was frustrated that he was not taken seriously and that the teacher was allowed to continue to have access to young children. He sent the email this week to some parents and FCPS administration (3/20/22). FCPS pressured the police to close the case, which they did on Monday (3/20/22!) without further investigation. I am 100% sure the allegations are true. The victim, understandably, wants to hold the teacher accountable and ensure he is not able to do the same to others. The teacher should not be around children. PLEASE PRESSURE FCPS TO DO THE RIGHT THING AND GET THE GUY OUT OF SCHOOLS!

If the case has been closed by the police, there is literally no basis for removing the teacher. Irrespective of whether the allegations are true -- and I have no idea if they are or are not -- it sets the absolute wrong standard to suspend or terminate someone based on claims that have been investigated and found not to warrant charges. If more evidence is developed or discovered in the future, then action can be taken. But you cannot and should not punish someone based solely on an allegation.

Do you even realize the trauma a child goes through when in an environment that is suppose to be a safe space for him is destroyed because of an trusted adult. It takes an immense amount of courage to to relive the experience and then come out and report the abuser.

Yes. I also realize the trauma that an adult goes through when their employment is terminated and their life is ruined based on an unfounded allegation. If FCPS or the police finds probable cause based on an investigation, then full and appropriate action should be taken against the teacher. If there is no probable cause -- which appears to be the determination (at least so far) -- then no action should be taken. This is not a question of who to believe. It is question of fundamental fairness to everyone involved.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I know the family and have seen the email. It involves a former student and teacher at Forestville Elementary who were there then (2002) and the teacher is now at Franklin Sherman Elementary School. After intensive therapy, the victim was brave enough to come forward in December 2021. The police thought it was credible enough to obtain a warrant, search the teacher's house, and interview him. They did not find anything and he denied the allegations. This is not surprising if it happened 20 years ago and the teacher has any sense of self-preservation. The police lost interest due to a lack of evidence and FCPS did nothing. The victim was frustrated that he was not taken seriously and that the teacher was allowed to continue to have access to young children. He sent the email this week to some parents and FCPS administration (3/20/22). FCPS pressured the police to close the case, which they did on Monday (3/20/22!) without further investigation. I am 100% sure the allegations are true. The victim, understandably, wants to hold the teacher accountable and ensure he is not able to do the same to others. The teacher should not be around children. PLEASE PRESSURE FCPS TO DO THE RIGHT THING AND GET THE GUY OUT OF SCHOOLS!

If the case has been closed by the police, there is literally no basis for removing the teacher. Irrespective of whether the allegations are true -- and I have no idea if they are or are not -- it sets the absolute wrong standard to suspend or terminate someone based on claims that have been investigated and found not to warrant charges. If more evidence is developed or discovered in the future, then action can be taken. But you cannot and should not punish someone based solely on an allegation.

Do you even realize the trauma a child goes through when in an environment that is suppose to be a safe space for him is destroyed because of an trusted adult. It takes an immense amount of courage to to relive the experience and then come out and report the abuser.

FS parent here , I have a kid in lower elementary and I am feeling very uncomfortable about this. Pedophilia is not curable unless someone takes years of therapy and medication.

Of course. These things are difficult. Proof is still needed, as hard as that is.

If I was this principal, I would be watching this teacher like a hawk. And if this teacher has any sense, he will ensure he is never alone in a small space with a child. Meaning, if a kid comes in from recess and you are the only one there, the door should be open and you should be close to it. Things like that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I know the family and have seen the email. It involves a former student and teacher at Forestville Elementary who were there then (2002) and the teacher is now at Franklin Sherman Elementary School. After intensive therapy, the victim was brave enough to come forward in December 2021. The police thought it was credible enough to obtain a warrant, search the teacher's house, and interview him. They did not find anything and he denied the allegations. This is not surprising if it happened 20 years ago and the teacher has any sense of self-preservation. The police lost interest due to a lack of evidence and FCPS did nothing. The victim was frustrated that he was not taken seriously and that the teacher was allowed to continue to have access to young children. He sent the email this week to some parents and FCPS administration (3/20/22). FCPS pressured the police to close the case, which they did on Monday (3/20/22!) without further investigation. I am 100% sure the allegations are true. The victim, understandably, wants to hold the teacher accountable and ensure he is not able to do the same to others. The teacher should not be around children. PLEASE PRESSURE FCPS TO DO THE RIGHT THING AND GET THE GUY OUT OF SCHOOLS!

If the case has been closed by the police, there is literally no basis for removing the teacher. Irrespective of whether the allegations are true -- and I have no idea if they are or are not -- it sets the absolute wrong standard to suspend or terminate someone based on claims that have been investigated and found not to warrant charges. If more evidence is developed or discovered in the future, then action can be taken. But you cannot and should not punish someone based solely on an allegation.

Do you even realize the trauma a child goes through when in an environment that is suppose to be a safe space for him is destroyed because of an trusted adult. It takes an immense amount of courage to to relive the experience and then come out and report the abuser.

For the sake of fairness a pedophile should be allowed to roam freely in an elementary school full of little kids... thats is fair !
Yes. I also realize the trauma that an adult goes through when their employment is terminated and their life is ruined based on an unfounded allegation. If FCPS or the police finds probable cause based on an investigation, then full and appropriate action should be taken against the teacher. If there is no probable cause -- which appears to be the determination (at least so far) -- then no action should be taken. This is not a question of who to believe. It is question of fundamental fairness to everyone involved.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So the victim sent an email to all of the parents of Forestville and Franklin Sherman?

I would really REALLY like to see that email.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I know the family and have seen the email. It involves a former student and teacher at Forestville Elementary who were there then (2002) and the teacher is now at Franklin Sherman Elementary School. After intensive therapy, the victim was brave enough to come forward in December 2021. The police thought it was credible enough to obtain a warrant, search the teacher's house, and interview him. They did not find anything and he denied the allegations. This is not surprising if it happened 20 years ago and the teacher has any sense of self-preservation. The police lost interest due to a lack of evidence and FCPS did nothing. The victim was frustrated that he was not taken seriously and that the teacher was allowed to continue to have access to young children. He sent the email this week to some parents and FCPS administration (3/20/22). FCPS pressured the police to close the case, which they did on Monday (3/20/22!) without further investigation. I am 100% sure the allegations are true. The victim, understandably, wants to hold the teacher accountable and ensure he is not able to do the same to others. The teacher should not be around children. PLEASE PRESSURE FCPS TO DO THE RIGHT THING AND GET THE GUY OUT OF SCHOOLS!

If the case has been closed by the police, there is literally no basis for removing the teacher. Irrespective of whether the allegations are true -- and I have no idea if they are or are not -- it sets the absolute wrong standard to suspend or terminate someone based on claims that have been investigated and found not to warrant charges. If more evidence is developed or discovered in the future, then action can be taken. But you cannot and should not punish someone based solely on an allegation.

what is the mesage this gives to the children..keep your mouth shut because no one is going to believe you.

I don't understand this comment.

Children should be told to report things that make them uncomfortable immediately. They don't need to be told about statutes of limitation or evidentiary hurdles that the police or a prosecutor might face 20 years later.

[Anonymous]

How does can a teacher even defend themselves from a 20 year old allegation? How old was the victim when the alleged abuse took place? It makes a difference if the student was in 1st grade or 5th. Recovered memories aren’t always accurate. I feel for the person making the allegations but until the teacher is proven guilty or there is evidence it isn’t right to have them endure a witch hunt.

[jsteele]

Anonymous wrote:I know the family and have seen the email. It involves a former student and teacher at Forestville Elementary who were there then (2002) and the teacher is now at Franklin Sherman Elementary School. After intensive therapy, the victim was brave enough to come forward in December 2021. The police thought it was credible enough to obtain a warrant, search the teacher's house, and interview him. They did not find anything and he denied the allegations. This is not surprising if it happened 20 years ago and the teacher has any sense of self-preservation. The police lost interest due to a lack of evidence and FCPS did nothing. The victim was frustrated that he was not taken seriously and that the teacher was allowed to continue to have access to young children. He sent the email this week to some parents and FCPS administration (3/20/22). FCPS pressured the police to close the case, which they did on Monday (3/20/22!) without further investigation. I am 100% sure the allegations are true. The victim, understandably, wants to hold the teacher accountable and ensure he is not able to do the same to others. The teacher should not be around children. PLEASE PRESSURE FCPS TO DO THE RIGHT THING AND GET THE GUY OUT OF SCHOOLS!

It looks like this post was written by the original poster of this thread. Just yesterday, that poster claimed to know very little about the case. Now, all of a sudden, the poster is an expert on the topic and able to determine guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. That suggests to me that this thread may have been created as part of a smear campaign rather than an innocent attempt to gather more information. Therefore, I urge everyone to take posts here with a grain of salt.

[Anonymous]

there is an equal possibilty for both situatiins, it could be a smear campaign or it is very much possible that an abuse victim is reaching out to the fcps community for help in getting justice.

[Anonymous]

Why didnt ffx county schools notify parents in case there were other victims?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why didnt ffx county schools notify parents in case there were other victims?

How many parents do you think they can reach from 2002? Is it possible that they gave the Police the name of all the kids in that particular class or the classes around that time so the Police could try and track down the now adult children? You don't know what they did.