Internal investigation shows McKeesport educators ‘frightening failure’ to report child abuse

MCKEESPORT, Pa. — It’s a story that rocked the McKeesport community. A security guard at McKeesport Area High School was criminally charged for having a sexual relationship with a student. Now, an internal investigation has found a lack of reporting of those sexual abuse allegations to ChildLine.

According to the documents on Oct. 27, 2023, a student reported the allegation to her teacher. That teacher then went to the principal, who called the superintendent. For five days, no one called ChildLine.

>>> Security guard at local school accused of having relationship with student resulting in a child

We asked Attorney Blaine Jones, who’s not affiliated with the case, his legal opinion.

“Generally, when I get these types of cases, you will have multiple mandated reporters. So, the fact that almost a week transpired and nothing was reported is shocking to me,” Jones said.

The teacher eventually made a report the following Wednesday, according to the internal investigation. That report concluded “a frightening failure of these professional employees to follow the law requiring immediate reporting.”

By definition, the Pennsylvania Department of Education states the allegation must be immediately reported by mandated reporters orally, with a written follow-up within 48 hours.

“A mandated reporter who willfully fails to report a case of suspected child abuse or to make a referral to the appropriate authorities commits a third-degree felony offense,” said a spokesperson for the PDE.

Yet in this case, neither the teacher, principal nor Superintendent are facing criminal charges. Allegheny County Police even confirmed to Channel 11 Tuesday that it was not investigating any staff members at McKeesport Area School District in this matter.

“With respect to the statute, it is black and white. Conversely, there is a lot of gray area in the law. Sometimes prosecutors will take a look at case and say if I bring these charges to a jury or judge can I find this person guilty beyond a responsible doubt,” Jones said.

When Channel 11 took this information to the District Attorney’s Office, a spokesperson said, “The DA’s Office can confirm that we have requested an investigation be conducted by the Allegheny County Police into whether members of the McKeesport School District delayed in reporting and/or failed to report to Child Line conduct that the statute mandates to be reported.

Less than 24 hours after the initial question to County Police, the Superintendent said the department is now in discussion with the DA’s Office and reviewing the case file.

As for the school district, the solicitor said the district will cooperate with any further criminal investigation.

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