Here are some of the top news stories in the Upstate, foothills, Piedmont, and mountains of North and South Carolina:
The North Carolina Senate unanimously approved the new gun control bill that requires those committed as inpatients to mental facilities be listed in a national database that prevents them from buying guns. This was after a GOP-led amendment was approved that excluded those committed as outpatients, according to the News & Observer.
The News and Observer also reports that 3 N.C. teachers have been arrested in a sex sting operation.
The Asheville Citizen-Times also reports that a Henderson County, NC teacher faces multiple sex charges.
WBTV in Charlotte reports news on the 3 suspects charged with the murder of a N.C. dentist in a drugs-for-sex scandal.
The Watauga Democrat is reporting breaking news that a major cocaine bust in Boone, NC has brought on the involvement of ICE.
WLOS-TV in Asheville says that 5 Cleveland County men have been arrested in a prescription forgery sting.
The Gaffney Ledger reports that an environmentalist group is attempting to block the building of a new nuclear power plant in Cherokee County, South Carolina.
The Clinton Chronicle announces a joint luncheon on July 24 for Laurens and Greenwood Counties in South Carolina to discuss local educational issues.
WSPA-TV News Channel 7 says that 3 high speed chases have occurred within Anderson County, SC in one day alone, the third of which has ended in death.
WYFF-TV Channel 4 reports the bizarre story of a man who got his nose bitten off during a fight at a Burger King drive-through in South Carolina.
Showing posts with label teacher sex scandal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label teacher sex scandal. Show all posts
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
More On the Ward Sentencing
In a Laurens County courtroom today, former Bell Street Middle School teacher Allenna Williams Ward received 6 years in prison for two counts of second-degree criminal sexual misconduct with a minor, and three counts of performing lewd acts on a minor.
Originally Ward had been charged with crimes that could have carried a life-sentence. The charges were reduced in a plea bargain arrangement where Ward agreed to waive her right to a jury trial and have her case determined by a Judge.
Ward's defense team presented a psychologist who testified that Ward suffers from two serious psychiatric disorders--dependent personality disorder and a sexual disorder.
The defendant once again apologized to the young men, their families, and the community.
Her sentence seemed very light to some of those gathered outside the courthouse. When Circuit Solicitor Jerry Peace was questoned about the sentence and the charge of racism (Ward is white and her victims are black), Peace quickly stated that the Judge in the case is black--Judge Casey Manning.
Peace also stated that in these types of cases that are pleaded out, a sentence of 3 to 8 years is normal and 6 falls within the normal range.
Ms. Ward will have to serve 85% of her sentence before she is eligible for parole, and she will be housed in a maximum security prison due to the nature of her crimes.
Originally Ward had been charged with crimes that could have carried a life-sentence. The charges were reduced in a plea bargain arrangement where Ward agreed to waive her right to a jury trial and have her case determined by a Judge.
Ward's defense team presented a psychologist who testified that Ward suffers from two serious psychiatric disorders--dependent personality disorder and a sexual disorder.
The defendant once again apologized to the young men, their families, and the community.
Her sentence seemed very light to some of those gathered outside the courthouse. When Circuit Solicitor Jerry Peace was questoned about the sentence and the charge of racism (Ward is white and her victims are black), Peace quickly stated that the Judge in the case is black--Judge Casey Manning.
Peace also stated that in these types of cases that are pleaded out, a sentence of 3 to 8 years is normal and 6 falls within the normal range.
Ms. Ward will have to serve 85% of her sentence before she is eligible for parole, and she will be housed in a maximum security prison due to the nature of her crimes.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Allenna Williams Ward Sentencing
The word is that former middle school teacher Allenna Williams Ward will be sentenced on Feb. 19 for criminal sexual misconduct with underaged teenage boys.
Ward is a former language arts teacher at the Bell Street Middle School in Clinton, South Carolina. Her story hit the news last year when it was revealed that Ward had been charged with having sexual contact with 5 boys between the ages of 14 and 15, some of whom were her students.
In the ensuing months Ward maintained her innocence as many charges and counter-charges were hurled between various parties involved in the case.
Then, the shocker came when Ward pleaded guilty in a plea bargain arrangement and tearfully confessed to the crimes. She waived a jury trial as part of the plea bargain and threw herself on the mercy of the Judge in the case.
After months of basically no information being provided to the news media, word came that Ward would be sentenced on Feb. 19 at the Laurens County Courthouse, although this information has not been confirmed by the Circuit Solicitor's office.
Controvery continues to swirl around this case, however, as many still do not believe that Ward is guilty but rather believe that she confessed under duress to avoid a possible conviction that could potentially land her in prison for the rest of her life.
One such person, who shall remain anonymous, sent the following letter to The Liberty Sphere concerning this case. We will publish the letter, leaving it to the reader to determine whether or not the claims contained therein merit thorough consideration.
"I have just finished reading the comments in both blogs RACIAL OVERTONES PLAGUE ALLENNA WARD CASE and ALLENNA WILLIAMS WARD SAYS ‘NOT GUILTY’
"I also watched the news video of her tearful apology for what she had done.
"That said; I still do not believe Ms. Ward is guilty of sexual misconduct with those teenagers. It is perhaps easy for someone to say they would never take a “plea bargain” if innocent as one of the folks stated. But in light of the apparent racial angle, the reaction of the neighborhood, the sad tendency of presuming guilty until proven innocent, the strains of “house arrest”, being cut off from society as normal, fear of spending perhaps years incarcerated with hardened felons – that may cause one to change their mind. This young woman’s life is ruined already – guilty or innocent – because of the accusations. Even if found innocent in a court of law she would not be able to teach again, she would be considered guilty in the eyes of many despite being found innocent. Maybe a plea bargain would offer continued house arrest for a shorter period of time. How can anyone avow they would never admit guilt when innocent unless they were in the situation themselves? Did you HEAR that young woman’s apology in court on that video? It was a prepared statement READ through her tears. She is no more guilty than I am – and I know I’m not – maybe she is taking the “best” alternative in an attempt to avoid prison time and prolonged strain and heartache for her family. She sounded like someone admitting guilt in an attempt to accept the lesser of two evils, to get it over with.
"If she is guilty, and I stand by my belief she isn’t, she needs guidance and counseling as well as the boys. With the right counseling these boys can overcome and move beyond this if they were indeed victims.
"If she is innocent she has been tainted for life either way – by accepting a plea bargain or being found innocent by the court. I cannot comprehend that many teenage boys keeping something like that a “secret”, this is a sad, sad situation. And the boys….if they ruined an innocent woman’s life will they be punished or learn anything from it?"
What say you? Do you believe at this point in the process that Ward is truly guilty or did she confess to crimes she did not commit in order to avoid a life-sentence?
Ward is a former language arts teacher at the Bell Street Middle School in Clinton, South Carolina. Her story hit the news last year when it was revealed that Ward had been charged with having sexual contact with 5 boys between the ages of 14 and 15, some of whom were her students.
In the ensuing months Ward maintained her innocence as many charges and counter-charges were hurled between various parties involved in the case.
Then, the shocker came when Ward pleaded guilty in a plea bargain arrangement and tearfully confessed to the crimes. She waived a jury trial as part of the plea bargain and threw herself on the mercy of the Judge in the case.
After months of basically no information being provided to the news media, word came that Ward would be sentenced on Feb. 19 at the Laurens County Courthouse, although this information has not been confirmed by the Circuit Solicitor's office.
Controvery continues to swirl around this case, however, as many still do not believe that Ward is guilty but rather believe that she confessed under duress to avoid a possible conviction that could potentially land her in prison for the rest of her life.
One such person, who shall remain anonymous, sent the following letter to The Liberty Sphere concerning this case. We will publish the letter, leaving it to the reader to determine whether or not the claims contained therein merit thorough consideration.
"I have just finished reading the comments in both blogs RACIAL OVERTONES PLAGUE ALLENNA WARD CASE and ALLENNA WILLIAMS WARD SAYS ‘NOT GUILTY’
"I also watched the news video of her tearful apology for what she had done.
"That said; I still do not believe Ms. Ward is guilty of sexual misconduct with those teenagers. It is perhaps easy for someone to say they would never take a “plea bargain” if innocent as one of the folks stated. But in light of the apparent racial angle, the reaction of the neighborhood, the sad tendency of presuming guilty until proven innocent, the strains of “house arrest”, being cut off from society as normal, fear of spending perhaps years incarcerated with hardened felons – that may cause one to change their mind. This young woman’s life is ruined already – guilty or innocent – because of the accusations. Even if found innocent in a court of law she would not be able to teach again, she would be considered guilty in the eyes of many despite being found innocent. Maybe a plea bargain would offer continued house arrest for a shorter period of time. How can anyone avow they would never admit guilt when innocent unless they were in the situation themselves? Did you HEAR that young woman’s apology in court on that video? It was a prepared statement READ through her tears. She is no more guilty than I am – and I know I’m not – maybe she is taking the “best” alternative in an attempt to avoid prison time and prolonged strain and heartache for her family. She sounded like someone admitting guilt in an attempt to accept the lesser of two evils, to get it over with.
"If she is guilty, and I stand by my belief she isn’t, she needs guidance and counseling as well as the boys. With the right counseling these boys can overcome and move beyond this if they were indeed victims.
"If she is innocent she has been tainted for life either way – by accepting a plea bargain or being found innocent by the court. I cannot comprehend that many teenage boys keeping something like that a “secret”, this is a sad, sad situation. And the boys….if they ruined an innocent woman’s life will they be punished or learn anything from it?"
What say you? Do you believe at this point in the process that Ward is truly guilty or did she confess to crimes she did not commit in order to avoid a life-sentence?
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Late-Breaking Update on Allenna Williams Ward
News has surfaced concerning the sentencing hearing for Allenna Williams Ward, the Clinton, South Carolina teacher who confessed to criminal sexual contact with at least 5 teenage boys.
For the complete story on the reason for the delay of sentencing, as well as a statement from State's Attorney Jerry Peace, click here:
http://carolinacountryside.blogspot.com/2008/01/late-breaking-allenna-williams-ward.html
For the complete story on the reason for the delay of sentencing, as well as a statement from State's Attorney Jerry Peace, click here:
http://carolinacountryside.blogspot.com/2008/01/late-breaking-allenna-williams-ward.html
Thursday, October 04, 2007
Allenna Williams Ward and the 'Unbelievable' Teens
Many of us who wrote about the case of Allenna Williams Ward, the 23 year old Clinton, South Carolina school teacher who pleaded guilty to sexual misconduct with at least 5 teenage boys, believed that the story of the teens was unbelievable...literally.
We were very wrong.
This shows that 'tall tales,' even from the lips of the youngest among us, are worthy of a thorough investigation. In many if not most cases the tall tales are probably the imaginary sagas of young minds at work. But some of the stories will be true and we cannot take the risk of dismissing them.
The following update on the Allenna Williams Ward story shows how the diligent, quiet work of a state prosecutor under immense pressure from the public got to the truth of this case:
http://carolinacountryside.blogspot.com/2007/10/my-teacher-did-what.html
We were very wrong.
This shows that 'tall tales,' even from the lips of the youngest among us, are worthy of a thorough investigation. In many if not most cases the tall tales are probably the imaginary sagas of young minds at work. But some of the stories will be true and we cannot take the risk of dismissing them.
The following update on the Allenna Williams Ward story shows how the diligent, quiet work of a state prosecutor under immense pressure from the public got to the truth of this case:
http://carolinacountryside.blogspot.com/2007/10/my-teacher-did-what.html
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
UPDATE! Trial Date Set for Eric McLean
Knoxville, TN (TLS). Eric McLean, the Knoxville man who shot his wife's teenage lover after the man intruded into the McLean home, will go on trial for the murder of Sean Powell on January 21, 2008.
McLean was released on bond in May.
29-year-old Erin McLean, wife of the accused, was a student teacher intern from the University of Tennessee, serving at West High School in Knoxville. It was there that she met Sean Powell, who had been one of her students.
In December of 2006 Powell dropped out of school and moved to Nashville to live with his formerly estranged mother. While living in Nashville Powell confessed to his mother of his affair with Erin McLean.
A series of text messages between Powell and Erin McLean show that Erin had begged the teenager to return to Knoxville.
Shortly thereafter, Powell traveled to the McLean home in Knoxville, where he had slept in his car for two nights prior to entering the home. The circumstances surrounding Powell's entrance into the McLean home are a bit murky.
Eric McLean placed a 9-1-1 phone call to report an intruder, yet he told the dispatcher that he knew who the intruder was. Later Erin McLean called 9-1-1 to report that her husband had shot Sean Powell outside the home in Powell's car.
Police apprehended Eric McLean some six hours later walking along a railroad track outside of Knoxville and carrying a shotgun. He had parked his car at the school where his wife had met Sean Powell.
Eric told police that he had known about the affair between his wife and Powell, and that even one of the McLean children had told him that their mother had been seen walking hand in hand with Sean Powell in a park.
Upon Eric's arrest and incarceration, Erin McLean moved with the children to Nashville to stay with relatives. Shortly thereafter she was taken to a local hospital for treatment for a suicide attempt.
Eric McLean has admitted to killing Sean Powell, but his attorney maintains it was a crime of passion, the result of Erin McLean's sordid affair with a teenage student--an affair conducted with the full knowledge of the McLean children.
Considered a minimal flight risk, Eric McLean will remain free pending the results of his trial in January of 2008.
McLean was released on bond in May.
29-year-old Erin McLean, wife of the accused, was a student teacher intern from the University of Tennessee, serving at West High School in Knoxville. It was there that she met Sean Powell, who had been one of her students.
In December of 2006 Powell dropped out of school and moved to Nashville to live with his formerly estranged mother. While living in Nashville Powell confessed to his mother of his affair with Erin McLean.
A series of text messages between Powell and Erin McLean show that Erin had begged the teenager to return to Knoxville.
Shortly thereafter, Powell traveled to the McLean home in Knoxville, where he had slept in his car for two nights prior to entering the home. The circumstances surrounding Powell's entrance into the McLean home are a bit murky.
Eric McLean placed a 9-1-1 phone call to report an intruder, yet he told the dispatcher that he knew who the intruder was. Later Erin McLean called 9-1-1 to report that her husband had shot Sean Powell outside the home in Powell's car.
Police apprehended Eric McLean some six hours later walking along a railroad track outside of Knoxville and carrying a shotgun. He had parked his car at the school where his wife had met Sean Powell.
Eric told police that he had known about the affair between his wife and Powell, and that even one of the McLean children had told him that their mother had been seen walking hand in hand with Sean Powell in a park.
Upon Eric's arrest and incarceration, Erin McLean moved with the children to Nashville to stay with relatives. Shortly thereafter she was taken to a local hospital for treatment for a suicide attempt.
Eric McLean has admitted to killing Sean Powell, but his attorney maintains it was a crime of passion, the result of Erin McLean's sordid affair with a teenage student--an affair conducted with the full knowledge of the McLean children.
Considered a minimal flight risk, Eric McLean will remain free pending the results of his trial in January of 2008.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Yet Another Female Teacher Goes Sex-Wild
Leroy, Alabama (TLS). Washington County, Alabama law enforcement officials report the arrest of a 54-year-old female teacher, Charlene Schmitz, for allegedly having sex with a 14-year-old student.
Schmitz, who teaches at Leroy High School in the small town of Leroy, Alabama, has been charged with rape and sodomy. Law enforcement officials state that the arrest was made after the mother of the 14-year-old boy presented to police dozens of sexually explicit emails that the teacher allegedly sent to her son.
Washington County Sheriff's officials state that Schmitz has been released from jail on a $40,000 bond, and is awaiting her first court hearing on July 24.
For more details of this breaking story, click here:
http://www.abc3340.com/news/stories/0607/434666.html
Schmitz, who teaches at Leroy High School in the small town of Leroy, Alabama, has been charged with rape and sodomy. Law enforcement officials state that the arrest was made after the mother of the 14-year-old boy presented to police dozens of sexually explicit emails that the teacher allegedly sent to her son.
Washington County Sheriff's officials state that Schmitz has been released from jail on a $40,000 bond, and is awaiting her first court hearing on July 24.
For more details of this breaking story, click here:
http://www.abc3340.com/news/stories/0607/434666.html
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Teacher Sex Scandal Rocks Wisconsin Town
Prescott, Wisconsin (TLS). Prescott, Wisconsin is the scene for the latest in a series of shocking teacher sex scandals that have rocked the nation in recent days. This time, the story involves a 38-year-old Middle School teacher, a 13-year-old male student, the teacher's daughter, and the student's father.
The story begins with the teacher's daughter, who was dating the 13-year-old student implicated in the scandal. The story ends with the teacher allegedly having sex with the 13-year-old student.
The father of the student told police that his son stole his mother's car one evening. He then claims that he found his son at the residence of the teacher, 'having a middle of the night sexual rendezvous,' even while the teacher's husband and daughter were home at the time.
The boy's father then filed a restraining order, stating that his son and the teacher had sexual intercourse. He also reportedly provided copies of emails exchanged between the two.
While the local sheriff's department is conducting an investigation, the local school Superintendent stated that an internal investigation had already been conducted by school officials. He states that they have found no evidence linking the teacher in question with other students. He further states that the two 'did not meet in the classroom.'
The teacher has been fired and the investigation by the sheriff's department continues. No arrests have been made as of yet.
(Details of this story provided by news wire services)
The story begins with the teacher's daughter, who was dating the 13-year-old student implicated in the scandal. The story ends with the teacher allegedly having sex with the 13-year-old student.
The father of the student told police that his son stole his mother's car one evening. He then claims that he found his son at the residence of the teacher, 'having a middle of the night sexual rendezvous,' even while the teacher's husband and daughter were home at the time.
The boy's father then filed a restraining order, stating that his son and the teacher had sexual intercourse. He also reportedly provided copies of emails exchanged between the two.
While the local sheriff's department is conducting an investigation, the local school Superintendent stated that an internal investigation had already been conducted by school officials. He states that they have found no evidence linking the teacher in question with other students. He further states that the two 'did not meet in the classroom.'
The teacher has been fired and the investigation by the sheriff's department continues. No arrests have been made as of yet.
(Details of this story provided by news wire services)
Friday, June 01, 2007
11-Year-Old Black Boy Scarred For Life
Laurens, SC (TLS). An eleven-year-old African-American boy has been scarred for life in the fallout from a shocking teacher sex case that culminated today in Laurens, South Carolina.
Fifth-grade teacher Wendie Schweikert, a Caucasian, was sentenced to 15 years in prison plus 5 years' probation for engaging in criminal sexual activity with an 11-year-old Black student. The sexual activity took place right in Schweikert's own classroom.
Today during her sentencing a sobbing Schweikert apologized to the boy's family, her students, and the community for what she described as 'committing this horrible sin.' From the start Schweikert acknowledge that she had engaged in sexual activity with the boy and stated today in court that she 'was not herself' when she committed the acts.
The boy's parents spoke at the sentencing hearing today, and stated that their son had been scarred for life by what took place in Schweikert's classroom.
That is an understatement. Parents in this country are entitled to know that when they send their children to the nation's public schools they are not entrusting them into the care of sexual predators. Increasingly, parents have cause to worry. The Schweikert case is only one of many similar cases across the country.
The Judge who handed down Schweikert's sentence did not go easy on her, but neither did he give her the maximum under the law. She will be forced by law to serve 85% of her sentence in incarceration and then serve an extra five years' probation once released. She will also be registered as a sex offender.
We can take consolation in the fact that a sexual predator has been removed from the classroom, but our hearts go out to the victim and his parents who must live with the horror of what took place in that classroom for the rest of their lives.
Fifth-grade teacher Wendie Schweikert, a Caucasian, was sentenced to 15 years in prison plus 5 years' probation for engaging in criminal sexual activity with an 11-year-old Black student. The sexual activity took place right in Schweikert's own classroom.
Today during her sentencing a sobbing Schweikert apologized to the boy's family, her students, and the community for what she described as 'committing this horrible sin.' From the start Schweikert acknowledge that she had engaged in sexual activity with the boy and stated today in court that she 'was not herself' when she committed the acts.
The boy's parents spoke at the sentencing hearing today, and stated that their son had been scarred for life by what took place in Schweikert's classroom.
That is an understatement. Parents in this country are entitled to know that when they send their children to the nation's public schools they are not entrusting them into the care of sexual predators. Increasingly, parents have cause to worry. The Schweikert case is only one of many similar cases across the country.
The Judge who handed down Schweikert's sentence did not go easy on her, but neither did he give her the maximum under the law. She will be forced by law to serve 85% of her sentence in incarceration and then serve an extra five years' probation once released. She will also be registered as a sex offender.
We can take consolation in the fact that a sexual predator has been removed from the classroom, but our hearts go out to the victim and his parents who must live with the horror of what took place in that classroom for the rest of their lives.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Pics of S.C. Teacher in Court Facing Sex Charges
Goose Creek, SC (TLS). WSB-TV in Atlanta, Georgia has posted a slide-show of S.C. teacher Kanesa Hopkins, 31, as she appears in court to face charges of engaging in criminal sexual conduct with a female student.
Hopkins was recently named 'Teacher of the Year' by her school, the Westview Middle School in Goose Creek. A sworn affidavit also indicates that Hopkins was the Sunday School teacher of the alleged victim.
Click here to go to the slide-show presentation:
http://www.wsbtv.com/slideshow/news/13375619/detail.html
Hopkins was recently named 'Teacher of the Year' by her school, the Westview Middle School in Goose Creek. A sworn affidavit also indicates that Hopkins was the Sunday School teacher of the alleged victim.
Click here to go to the slide-show presentation:
http://www.wsbtv.com/slideshow/news/13375619/detail.html
TEACHER OF THE YEAR CHARGED WITH SEX CRIMES
Goose Creek, SC (TLS). The town of Goose Creek, located in the 'low country' of the coastal plain of South Carolina, takes its turn being rocked to its core by a teacher sex scandal that was, to the say least, most unexpected.
The teacher involved was recently named 'Teacher of the Year' at the Westview Middle School in Goose Creek. She is also a Sunday School teacher.
Kanesa Hopkins, 31, is being held on $300,000 bail after being charged with five counts of having sex with a teenage student. The student who came forward, a female, had been a student of Hopkins previously and is a member of Hopkins' Sunday School class.
The sexual encounters allegedly took place at the residences of both Hopkins and the accuser.
Read the details of this shocking scandal here, from the Charleston Post and Courier:
http://www.charleston.net/news/2007/may/23/teacher_year_accused_having_sex_student/
The teacher involved was recently named 'Teacher of the Year' at the Westview Middle School in Goose Creek. She is also a Sunday School teacher.
Kanesa Hopkins, 31, is being held on $300,000 bail after being charged with five counts of having sex with a teenage student. The student who came forward, a female, had been a student of Hopkins previously and is a member of Hopkins' Sunday School class.
The sexual encounters allegedly took place at the residences of both Hopkins and the accuser.
Read the details of this shocking scandal here, from the Charleston Post and Courier:
http://www.charleston.net/news/2007/may/23/teacher_year_accused_having_sex_student/
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Update on Allenna Williams Ward Sex Scandal Case
Allenna Williams Ward, shown above, is the Middle School English teacher accused of criminal sexual misconduct with five teenage boys in Clinton, South Carolina.
Ward has plead not guilty to the charges.
The state's attorney in the case, Laurens County Circuit Solicitor Jerry Peace has stated that he is attempting to work out a deal with Ward's attorney, presumably a plea bargain. Peace further stated that if a deal could not be reached with Ward and her attorney, that 'we may then try this case in a year and a half or so.'
To the casual observer this may mean nothing. But to astute observers of the court system there is plenty that can be gleaned from the words of the prosecutor.
The obvious factor that strikes us about this case is that if the allegations and charges against Ward are true, then she would be nothing less than a hardened, seasoned sexual predator, worthy of the most stringent sentence that could be leveled against her under the law.
Yet Mr. Peace is not proceeding with this case as one who actually believes he is dealing with a hardened sexual predator.
This means there are two possibilities--either Ward is entirely innocent and has been falsely accused, in which case Peace is giving things time to settle in the hope the truth comes out, or, he believes Ward is guilty but cannot amass sufficient evidence to prove her guilt in court.
At this time I tend to believe Ward is entirely innocent and has been falsely accused.
The complete silence surrounding this case is yet another odd circumstance, given the severity of the charges and allegations. Ward and her attorney have been totally silent throughout this case, which is understandable. At first the pot-bangers in Clinton took to the streets to decry the 'child molester' and such. But now even they are totally tight-lipped. So are the boys who made the accusations.
As always, The Liberty Sphere will keep you updated on all further developments.
Friday, May 18, 2007
NEW SCANDAL BREWING AT WARE SHOALS HIGH
Ware Shoals, SC (TLS). A new scandal is brewing at the Ware Shoals High School in Ware Shoals, SC, just weeks after the school made international news in the Jill Moore-Cheerleader Sex Scandal.
This time the scandal involves a male teacher and a cell phone.
Sources report that a male teacher is under investigation when it was brought to the attention of authorities that inappropriate text messages were found on a cell phone.
At this point details are sketchy. It has not yet been disclosed if the cell phone in question belongs to the teacher or a student, and we do not yet know if the student involved is male or female.
The Liberty Sphere will provide you with late-breaking updates....
This time the scandal involves a male teacher and a cell phone.
Sources report that a male teacher is under investigation when it was brought to the attention of authorities that inappropriate text messages were found on a cell phone.
At this point details are sketchy. It has not yet been disclosed if the cell phone in question belongs to the teacher or a student, and we do not yet know if the student involved is male or female.
The Liberty Sphere will provide you with late-breaking updates....
Monday, May 07, 2007
N.C. Teacher Resigns in Same-Sex Scandal with Student
East Flat Rock, NC (TLS). The Henderson County, North Carolina town of East Flat Rock is the scene for the latest teacher sex scandal to hit the news wires. Julie Culbertson, who had taught at East Henderson High School in this N.C. mountain town, resigned her position after being charged with engaging in sexual activity with an under-age female student at the high school.
Henderson County law enforcement officials state that both the student and her parents are fully cooperating with their investigation.
Meanwhile, a group of students who support the popular Culbertson, staged a rally to urge school officials to rehire the teacher. School officials informed the students that the matter is entirely out of their hands, given that Culbertson resigned and is under investigation.
A court hearing for Culbertson's arraignment is scheduled for June.
The Liberty Sphere will provide updates as needed...
Henderson County law enforcement officials state that both the student and her parents are fully cooperating with their investigation.
Meanwhile, a group of students who support the popular Culbertson, staged a rally to urge school officials to rehire the teacher. School officials informed the students that the matter is entirely out of their hands, given that Culbertson resigned and is under investigation.
A court hearing for Culbertson's arraignment is scheduled for June.
The Liberty Sphere will provide updates as needed...
Monday, April 02, 2007
Allenna Williams Ward Says 'Not Guilty'
Clinton, SC (TLS). Allenna Williams Ward appeared in court today to be arraigned on five counts of criminal sexual conduct on a minor and six counts of performing lewd acts on a minor.
Ward is the former Bell Street Middle School teacher who was fired from her job after being accused by five teenagers, ages 14-15, for engaging in sex with them at various public places around town.
Upon the counsel of her attorney, Ward has not spoken to the media about the case.
In court today, however, we heard directly from Ward for the very first time. When read the charges against her and asked, 'How do you plea?' Ward stated simply, 'Not guilty.'
Ward will remain under house arrest pending her trial. No trial date has been set as of yet.
Ward is the former Bell Street Middle School teacher who was fired from her job after being accused by five teenagers, ages 14-15, for engaging in sex with them at various public places around town.
Upon the counsel of her attorney, Ward has not spoken to the media about the case.
In court today, however, we heard directly from Ward for the very first time. When read the charges against her and asked, 'How do you plea?' Ward stated simply, 'Not guilty.'
Ward will remain under house arrest pending her trial. No trial date has been set as of yet.
Allenna Williams Ward to be Arraigned Today
Clinton, SC (TLS). Allenna Williams Ward, the 24-year-old middle school teacher accused of having sex with five male teenagers, will be arraigned in a Laurens County, SC courtroom today.
Ward will be arraigned on five counts of criminal sexual conduct with a minor, and six counts of performing lewd acts on a minor.
The African-American community in Clinton has claimed racial motivation in Ward's bond and her subsequent release. However, Ward is being held under house arrest with an electronic device that monitors her every move and is allowed only to go to church, the doctor, to court, and to see her attorney.
Similar cases across the country reveal that persons charged with similar offenses are rarely, if ever, held without bond. In addition, Ward's bond was set at a level that rivals that of murderers. Thus, the charge of racism would seem to hold little credence.
Updated information on Ward's court appearance will be provided by The Liberty Sphere later in the day. Be sure to check back for further updates.
Ward will be arraigned on five counts of criminal sexual conduct with a minor, and six counts of performing lewd acts on a minor.
The African-American community in Clinton has claimed racial motivation in Ward's bond and her subsequent release. However, Ward is being held under house arrest with an electronic device that monitors her every move and is allowed only to go to church, the doctor, to court, and to see her attorney.
Similar cases across the country reveal that persons charged with similar offenses are rarely, if ever, held without bond. In addition, Ward's bond was set at a level that rivals that of murderers. Thus, the charge of racism would seem to hold little credence.
Updated information on Ward's court appearance will be provided by The Liberty Sphere later in the day. Be sure to check back for further updates.
Monday, March 19, 2007
Teacher Sex Scandal Ends in Murder
Knoxville, TN (TLS). The city of Knoxville, Tennessee, tucked neatly beside the Tennessee River in the beautiful Smokey Mountains, is normally a quiet southern city that has a crime rate that should make it the envy of the world.
Knox County is home to deeply religious mountain folk who love their churches, their guns, and their bluegrass music. One would think that such a setting would produce more than its share of violent crime, particularly that which involves guns.
One would be quite wrong in making that assumption.
Gun violence is rare here, although the vast majority of the population owns them. Character, honor, and Christian values permeate the culture here, keeping a valuable check on any innate human tendency to engage in destructive behavior.
Every now and then, however, violence does shake the foundation of this mountain paradise. Knox County is known for ending the year with only one murder for the record books--for the entire year. Thus, when those rare murders creep into the community, you can be sure it becomes the talk of the town.
This murder, however, has all the trappings of a Hollywood tabloid scandal.
This story involves a young married school teacher, her husband, and an 18-year-old high school student. Quiet rumors of an affair made their rounds in this close-knit southern city, except in this case the nature of the affair was enough to send shock-waves racing through town like a live-wire in a bathtub.
This affair involved the ultimate taboo in a town that loves Jesus and its Gospel Music. The teacher allegedly was involved with one of her students.
30-year-old Erin McLean was in her final semester at the University of Tennessee, studying for a graduate degree in education. She met 18-year-old Sean Powell in the Fall of 2006 while doing a teaching internship at West High School in Knoxville. Powell dropped out of school in November of 2006 for unknown reasons, and moved to Nashville where he stayed with his formerly estranged mother, Debra Flynn.
It was at this time that a text message allegedly appeared--from Erin McLean to Sean Powell, stating, 'Come home, baby. I love you. You are beautiful.'
Flynn stated that her son admitted to the affair.
Apparently, the plea of the text message on that cell phone worked. On the evening of March 10, 2007, Erin McLean's husband, Eric, dialed 911 to report an intruder in their home. Seven minutes later Erin called 911 herself, stating that her husband had just shot Sean Powell outside--in the car that Powell was driving.
At this point Eric McLean fled the scene in his car, later leaving the vehicle at the high school where his wife taught. Police later found McLean 6 miles away walking along a railroad track, allegedly still carrying the shotgun he used to kill Sean Powell.
Eric McLean's attorney acknowledges that his client killed Powell, and thus, his defense at the trial will focus on WHY Eric shot Sean Powell to death.
Did he catch his wife and her 18-year-old lover in the act? Or did Sean Powell come to the home to see Erin and confront her husband--a meeting that resulted in a deadly argument?
These questions will be answered at the trial.
Sources close to the investigation state that Eric McLean had been aware of the affair between his wife and Powell, and that in a moment of rage he snapped.
As for Erin McLean, she moved to Nashville to stay with relatives along with her children. She has also hired her own attorney, although police have not charged her with any criminal wrongdoing. At the time the affair began, Powell was well-beyond the age of consent in the state of Tennessee.
Needless to say, this trial will focus on the biggest scandal these mountains have seen in many a year. Apart from the rarity of this sort of thing in these parts, this case will raise several tragic issues--the growing phenomenon of teacher-student sexual liaisons, the lack of clearly-stated guidelines that are strictly enforced by school systems regarding the professional wall that exists between educators and students, and the internal psychological dynamics of a spouse that is so thoroughly enraged by the fact that his wife was having an affair with a student that he loses control and kills her lover.
Thus, this trial will be of great national significance.
Knox County is home to deeply religious mountain folk who love their churches, their guns, and their bluegrass music. One would think that such a setting would produce more than its share of violent crime, particularly that which involves guns.
One would be quite wrong in making that assumption.
Gun violence is rare here, although the vast majority of the population owns them. Character, honor, and Christian values permeate the culture here, keeping a valuable check on any innate human tendency to engage in destructive behavior.
Every now and then, however, violence does shake the foundation of this mountain paradise. Knox County is known for ending the year with only one murder for the record books--for the entire year. Thus, when those rare murders creep into the community, you can be sure it becomes the talk of the town.
This murder, however, has all the trappings of a Hollywood tabloid scandal.
This story involves a young married school teacher, her husband, and an 18-year-old high school student. Quiet rumors of an affair made their rounds in this close-knit southern city, except in this case the nature of the affair was enough to send shock-waves racing through town like a live-wire in a bathtub.
This affair involved the ultimate taboo in a town that loves Jesus and its Gospel Music. The teacher allegedly was involved with one of her students.
30-year-old Erin McLean was in her final semester at the University of Tennessee, studying for a graduate degree in education. She met 18-year-old Sean Powell in the Fall of 2006 while doing a teaching internship at West High School in Knoxville. Powell dropped out of school in November of 2006 for unknown reasons, and moved to Nashville where he stayed with his formerly estranged mother, Debra Flynn.
It was at this time that a text message allegedly appeared--from Erin McLean to Sean Powell, stating, 'Come home, baby. I love you. You are beautiful.'
Flynn stated that her son admitted to the affair.
Apparently, the plea of the text message on that cell phone worked. On the evening of March 10, 2007, Erin McLean's husband, Eric, dialed 911 to report an intruder in their home. Seven minutes later Erin called 911 herself, stating that her husband had just shot Sean Powell outside--in the car that Powell was driving.
At this point Eric McLean fled the scene in his car, later leaving the vehicle at the high school where his wife taught. Police later found McLean 6 miles away walking along a railroad track, allegedly still carrying the shotgun he used to kill Sean Powell.
Eric McLean's attorney acknowledges that his client killed Powell, and thus, his defense at the trial will focus on WHY Eric shot Sean Powell to death.
Did he catch his wife and her 18-year-old lover in the act? Or did Sean Powell come to the home to see Erin and confront her husband--a meeting that resulted in a deadly argument?
These questions will be answered at the trial.
Sources close to the investigation state that Eric McLean had been aware of the affair between his wife and Powell, and that in a moment of rage he snapped.
As for Erin McLean, she moved to Nashville to stay with relatives along with her children. She has also hired her own attorney, although police have not charged her with any criminal wrongdoing. At the time the affair began, Powell was well-beyond the age of consent in the state of Tennessee.
Needless to say, this trial will focus on the biggest scandal these mountains have seen in many a year. Apart from the rarity of this sort of thing in these parts, this case will raise several tragic issues--the growing phenomenon of teacher-student sexual liaisons, the lack of clearly-stated guidelines that are strictly enforced by school systems regarding the professional wall that exists between educators and students, and the internal psychological dynamics of a spouse that is so thoroughly enraged by the fact that his wife was having an affair with a student that he loses control and kills her lover.
Thus, this trial will be of great national significance.
Friday, March 09, 2007
More Doubts Surface on Allena Williams Ward Case
Washington, DC (TLS). More doubts have surfaced concerning the Allena Williams Ward teacher sex scandal in South Carolina. As previously reported on The Liberty Sphere, so much about this case borders on the bizarre that the allegations against the former middle school teacher beg the question of authenticity.
The latest series of questions focus squarely on the parents of the teenagers involved.
These are boys allegedly between the ages of 14 and 15. Teenagers of that age do not even have driver's licenses. And if they are allowed to drive under some sort of permit, it is only during daylight hours under adult supervision. In other words, an adult has to be in the vehicle.
Where were these parents? Why was there no adequate supervision of the boys? How did they get from 'point A' to 'point B?' Did Ward drive them to the various sites of the alleged rendezvous?
What about the allegation of a major motel in Clinton being the site of one of these meetings? A well-known teacher in a small town, who grew up in that town, going to the only major motel in the area with a young teenage boy or boys would surely be noticed and thus raise suspicions.
Is there a record of Allena Williams Ward checking into that motel? These days one must have a major credit card to be given a room in a major motel chain. If she had, in fact, checked into that motel, there is a record.
Does the Circuit Solicitor have that record, or is he simply taking the word of the boys?
So far absolutely no confirmation has been made by the Solicitor's office that Ward was ever a guest at that motel.
Further, does Circuit Solicitor Jerry Peace possess the record of the supposed text message in which Ward allegedly tells one student to 'keep his mouth shut?' If so, once again there has been absolutely no confirmation that such a text message exists, except on the word of one of the teenagers and his attorney. In fact, Peace stated as of Wednesday of this week that he did NOT have a record of any such text message. Thus, it is clear that Peace is basing this allegation entirely on the word of the teenage boy in question and his attorney.
That attorney, by the way, is one Karl Allen, who is representing three of the boys. Why do these teenagers need an attorney when supposedly the Solicitor is prosecuting their case before the court?
There is yet one more salient point about this case that raises doubt. The statement made by one of the boys that Ward told him to 'keep his mouth shut' is oddly reminiscent of what the students at Ware Shoals High School claim their principal, Jane Blackwell, told them when the scandal broke concerning the cheerleaders and their coach, Jill Moore.
The students claim that they interpreted Blackwell's directive as a threat, that they should keep their mouths shut and refuse to speak to authorities about the case. Blackwell, however, stated that she merely wanted the students to refrain from engaging in gossip and rumor in the midst of an investigation by law enforcement and that she never intended for her students not to speak to authorities about what they knew.
Yet, this one single statement by Blackwell, on the word of high school teenagers, was enough to get the principal arrested on the charge of obstruction.
Ware Shoals is a mere 30 miles or so from Clinton. The case in Ware Shoals brought international media coverage. The fact that Blackwell was arrested on obstruction for merely telling students not to talk about the case was headline news for weeks, particularly in the local area.
Did one of the boys in Clinton borrow a page from the Ware Shoals playbook in putting together this series of allegations that so far has totally ruined a teacher's life and career?
The case has not even gone to trial, and yet here we are a mere two weeks after the arrest of Ward, and we have already shed light upon a series of doubts that may well lead up to one big question mark that could break this case apart. The legal term is 'reasonable doubt,' and it is a biggie.
If a jury looks at these questions carefully, without any supporting documentation that would prove any of the allegations, that jury may well decide that there is enough reasonable doubt to render a verdict of 'not guilty.'
In addition, a smart prosecutor may well look at these questions and decide that this is a case that is not worth pursuing any further.
Time will tell.
The latest series of questions focus squarely on the parents of the teenagers involved.
These are boys allegedly between the ages of 14 and 15. Teenagers of that age do not even have driver's licenses. And if they are allowed to drive under some sort of permit, it is only during daylight hours under adult supervision. In other words, an adult has to be in the vehicle.
Where were these parents? Why was there no adequate supervision of the boys? How did they get from 'point A' to 'point B?' Did Ward drive them to the various sites of the alleged rendezvous?
What about the allegation of a major motel in Clinton being the site of one of these meetings? A well-known teacher in a small town, who grew up in that town, going to the only major motel in the area with a young teenage boy or boys would surely be noticed and thus raise suspicions.
Is there a record of Allena Williams Ward checking into that motel? These days one must have a major credit card to be given a room in a major motel chain. If she had, in fact, checked into that motel, there is a record.
Does the Circuit Solicitor have that record, or is he simply taking the word of the boys?
So far absolutely no confirmation has been made by the Solicitor's office that Ward was ever a guest at that motel.
Further, does Circuit Solicitor Jerry Peace possess the record of the supposed text message in which Ward allegedly tells one student to 'keep his mouth shut?' If so, once again there has been absolutely no confirmation that such a text message exists, except on the word of one of the teenagers and his attorney. In fact, Peace stated as of Wednesday of this week that he did NOT have a record of any such text message. Thus, it is clear that Peace is basing this allegation entirely on the word of the teenage boy in question and his attorney.
That attorney, by the way, is one Karl Allen, who is representing three of the boys. Why do these teenagers need an attorney when supposedly the Solicitor is prosecuting their case before the court?
There is yet one more salient point about this case that raises doubt. The statement made by one of the boys that Ward told him to 'keep his mouth shut' is oddly reminiscent of what the students at Ware Shoals High School claim their principal, Jane Blackwell, told them when the scandal broke concerning the cheerleaders and their coach, Jill Moore.
The students claim that they interpreted Blackwell's directive as a threat, that they should keep their mouths shut and refuse to speak to authorities about the case. Blackwell, however, stated that she merely wanted the students to refrain from engaging in gossip and rumor in the midst of an investigation by law enforcement and that she never intended for her students not to speak to authorities about what they knew.
Yet, this one single statement by Blackwell, on the word of high school teenagers, was enough to get the principal arrested on the charge of obstruction.
Ware Shoals is a mere 30 miles or so from Clinton. The case in Ware Shoals brought international media coverage. The fact that Blackwell was arrested on obstruction for merely telling students not to talk about the case was headline news for weeks, particularly in the local area.
Did one of the boys in Clinton borrow a page from the Ware Shoals playbook in putting together this series of allegations that so far has totally ruined a teacher's life and career?
The case has not even gone to trial, and yet here we are a mere two weeks after the arrest of Ward, and we have already shed light upon a series of doubts that may well lead up to one big question mark that could break this case apart. The legal term is 'reasonable doubt,' and it is a biggie.
If a jury looks at these questions carefully, without any supporting documentation that would prove any of the allegations, that jury may well decide that there is enough reasonable doubt to render a verdict of 'not guilty.'
In addition, a smart prosecutor may well look at these questions and decide that this is a case that is not worth pursuing any further.
Time will tell.
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Has Allena Williams Ward Been 'Nifonged'?
Washington, DC (TLS). Durham, North Carolina District Attorney Mike Nifong became infamous for prosecuting three innocent students on the Duke lacrosse team on the charge of rape. His motivation? To win an election in a overwhelmingly liberal Democrat district with a very large African-American population.
The case quickly became a national news item as citizens from around the country expressed their outrage that a rogue prosecutor could conduct such a blatant sham against three innocent persons. In time Nifong became a joke, a laughing stock of those who point out everything wrong with the politicized system of choosing state's attorneys.
He also became a defendant, the recipient of charges of prosecutorial misconduct, lying to the court, and ethics violations by the North Carolina BAR. He stepped down from the lacrosse case in order to defend himself. This was after revelations were made public that Nifong never personally interviewed the accuser until 10 months after the charges were brought against the students. That accuser also changed her story numerous times and demonstrated that her testimony would not be credible due to her unsavory manner of living, as well as statements she made to friends about the night in question when she was supposedly 'raped.'
DNA evidence also proved that not a single member of the Duke lacrosse team had engaged in sex with the accuser. Multiple sources of DNA were found inside her, however, none of which matched any of the students. This evidence, by the way, was supressed by Nifong in a sleazy under-the-table deal with the laboratory that did the DNA tests.
Thus, the term 'Nifonged' was coined to denote being prosecuted on false charges by a rogue state attorney.
The question, therefore, that must be asked is, has Allena Williams Ward been 'nifonged'?
Ward is the S.C. teacher accused of engaging in criminal sexual activity with five teenage boys. The actions of the state's attorney in this case (which, by the way, is called the 'circuit solicitor' in S.C.--whatever the heck that means) suggests suspicious behavior reminiscent of Mike Nifong.
According to one writer who commented on the case on The Liberty Sphere, the Solicitor was under pressure to score a conviction of a teacher accused in a sex crime, since two other similar cases fell by the wayside. The writer also suggests that if the Solicitor had a solid case, he would normally plead it out. This he has not done. Rather, he requested that no bail be given to the accused. When that did not work, her bail was set so high that it rivals that of murderers.
Why?
Perhaps the prosecutor knows he has no case and is thus going for broke...all or nothing. Throwing caution to the wind, he hopes a verdict will go his way, or else she will be totally exonerated, thus taking the monkey off his back for deciding to prosecute such a shaky case to begin with.
Of course, in that scenario the prosecutor will be under even more pressure than ever to 'win one against teachers gone bad.'
Teachers in Laurens County had better go ahead and get legal representation now, before the bull-in-a-china-shop comes charging after whoever is an easy target.
Naturally, all of this is conjecture at this point. What I have just described is a possible scenario rather than an accusation. But there is enough about this case that is simply too bizarre for an observer of the legal system not to raise questions. Needless to say, my suspicions are being raised to a fever pitch.
The case quickly became a national news item as citizens from around the country expressed their outrage that a rogue prosecutor could conduct such a blatant sham against three innocent persons. In time Nifong became a joke, a laughing stock of those who point out everything wrong with the politicized system of choosing state's attorneys.
He also became a defendant, the recipient of charges of prosecutorial misconduct, lying to the court, and ethics violations by the North Carolina BAR. He stepped down from the lacrosse case in order to defend himself. This was after revelations were made public that Nifong never personally interviewed the accuser until 10 months after the charges were brought against the students. That accuser also changed her story numerous times and demonstrated that her testimony would not be credible due to her unsavory manner of living, as well as statements she made to friends about the night in question when she was supposedly 'raped.'
DNA evidence also proved that not a single member of the Duke lacrosse team had engaged in sex with the accuser. Multiple sources of DNA were found inside her, however, none of which matched any of the students. This evidence, by the way, was supressed by Nifong in a sleazy under-the-table deal with the laboratory that did the DNA tests.
Thus, the term 'Nifonged' was coined to denote being prosecuted on false charges by a rogue state attorney.
The question, therefore, that must be asked is, has Allena Williams Ward been 'nifonged'?
Ward is the S.C. teacher accused of engaging in criminal sexual activity with five teenage boys. The actions of the state's attorney in this case (which, by the way, is called the 'circuit solicitor' in S.C.--whatever the heck that means) suggests suspicious behavior reminiscent of Mike Nifong.
According to one writer who commented on the case on The Liberty Sphere, the Solicitor was under pressure to score a conviction of a teacher accused in a sex crime, since two other similar cases fell by the wayside. The writer also suggests that if the Solicitor had a solid case, he would normally plead it out. This he has not done. Rather, he requested that no bail be given to the accused. When that did not work, her bail was set so high that it rivals that of murderers.
Why?
Perhaps the prosecutor knows he has no case and is thus going for broke...all or nothing. Throwing caution to the wind, he hopes a verdict will go his way, or else she will be totally exonerated, thus taking the monkey off his back for deciding to prosecute such a shaky case to begin with.
Of course, in that scenario the prosecutor will be under even more pressure than ever to 'win one against teachers gone bad.'
Teachers in Laurens County had better go ahead and get legal representation now, before the bull-in-a-china-shop comes charging after whoever is an easy target.
Naturally, all of this is conjecture at this point. What I have just described is a possible scenario rather than an accusation. But there is enough about this case that is simply too bizarre for an observer of the legal system not to raise questions. Needless to say, my suspicions are being raised to a fever pitch.
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
BREAKING NEWS ON SC TEACHER SEX SCANDAL
Washington, DC (TLS). The attorney representing one of the teenage boys who accused Clinton, South Carolina teacher Allena Williams Ward with sexual misconduct stated late today that the teacher had sent text messages to one of the boys urging him to 'keep his mouth shut.'
This revelation was made today obviously in response to growing suspicion about the charges.
In the news release, however, the attorney did not specify what, exactly, the student was to keep his mouth shut about. This raises suspicions even further.
As The Liberty Sphere has reported since this riveting news story broke, there is much about this case that makes no sense. The allegations made by the boys must be held up to suspicion simply because of the reputation of the one accused. This does not mean that their allegations are to be dismissed. It means only that every avenue must be undertaken to arrive at the truth. And that means questioning the nature of the allegations to insure authenticity.
If the charges against Ward are to be believed, then corroborating evidence must be produced since the allegations specify that the sexual acts in question took place all over town, in public areas, including the very school where Ward taught.
Text messages between the teenagers and Ward are certainly important evidence. But what, exactly, did these messages say? When Ward told to boy to 'keep his mouth shut,' was she speaking of sexual acts between them, or was she reacting to a threat made by the boy to 'ruin her reputation?'
Teenage boys 14-15 years old these days can be quite intimidating, scheming, and given to retaliation. Did one of the boys threaten Ward by stating he and his cohorts would spread lies about her to ruin her career and her life?
Since the attorney in question publicized this small piece of information without stating exactly what the text message was referring to, then this lawyer succeeded in only adding more fuel to the fire of doubt. Thus, the subject nature of the text message in question is a key ingredient.
A text message that merely states that the boy should 'keep his mouth shut' could refer to any number of things, including sexual activity AND a threat to ruin Ward's reputation. If the attorney representing the boys plans to try his case in the court of public opinion, he certainly cannot do it without providing the exact nature of that text message, verbatim, within its full context.
So far, I see only more evidence of a hoax.
This revelation was made today obviously in response to growing suspicion about the charges.
In the news release, however, the attorney did not specify what, exactly, the student was to keep his mouth shut about. This raises suspicions even further.
As The Liberty Sphere has reported since this riveting news story broke, there is much about this case that makes no sense. The allegations made by the boys must be held up to suspicion simply because of the reputation of the one accused. This does not mean that their allegations are to be dismissed. It means only that every avenue must be undertaken to arrive at the truth. And that means questioning the nature of the allegations to insure authenticity.
If the charges against Ward are to be believed, then corroborating evidence must be produced since the allegations specify that the sexual acts in question took place all over town, in public areas, including the very school where Ward taught.
Text messages between the teenagers and Ward are certainly important evidence. But what, exactly, did these messages say? When Ward told to boy to 'keep his mouth shut,' was she speaking of sexual acts between them, or was she reacting to a threat made by the boy to 'ruin her reputation?'
Teenage boys 14-15 years old these days can be quite intimidating, scheming, and given to retaliation. Did one of the boys threaten Ward by stating he and his cohorts would spread lies about her to ruin her career and her life?
Since the attorney in question publicized this small piece of information without stating exactly what the text message was referring to, then this lawyer succeeded in only adding more fuel to the fire of doubt. Thus, the subject nature of the text message in question is a key ingredient.
A text message that merely states that the boy should 'keep his mouth shut' could refer to any number of things, including sexual activity AND a threat to ruin Ward's reputation. If the attorney representing the boys plans to try his case in the court of public opinion, he certainly cannot do it without providing the exact nature of that text message, verbatim, within its full context.
So far, I see only more evidence of a hoax.
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