Five employees at a Texas school were arrested on Wednesday amid accusations that they covered up a student’s sexual assault.
Five administrators at Midland Christian School were charged with failure to report with intent to conceal neglect or abuse for an incident that occurred during baseball practice. KWES reported that those charged are superintendent Jared Lee, secondary principal Dana Ellis, vice-principal Matthew Counts, athletic director Greg McClendon, and head baseball coach Barry Russell.
Midland officials confirmed to KOSA that a juvenile was also arrested, but his identity or the charges he is facing were not disclosed.
The reported assault occurred at Christensen Stadium on or around January 20, but police were not notified until January 28. Ellis allegedly told Lee about the assault in January, and Lee ordered McClendon and Counts to investigate.
According to KWES, the male victim told a forensic interviewer that he was changing in the locker room when the lights turned off. A student reportedly told the victim it was “freshman initiation day” before someone struck him and pushed him on the floor.
The victim recalled trying to fight back and being told he was not allowed to. The boy was sexually also assaulted with a baseball bat during the apparent hazing, according to reports.
Following the interview, on February 11, Midland police went to the school to talk to Lee but he was not there. On February 14, Lee refused to speak to authorities and told them to get a warrant.
The same day, police obtained a warrant which allowed them to search the school. Investigators recovered paperwork about the assault which was created on February 11 or 12, according to KOSA.
Midland police also alleged that they found emails between administrators and faculty where they discussed not reporting the sexual assault to authorities.
Lee, Ellis, Counts, McClendon, Russell are currently free on a recognizance bond. It is unclear whether they have been placed on administrative leave in light of their arrests.
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[Featured image: Dana Ellis, Jared Lee/Midland County Sheriff’s Office]
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