New developments are making the news in the Ware Shoals, South Carolina high school cheerleader sex scandal.
First, 2 former students at Ware Shoals High School have brought lawsuits against Greenwood County School District 51, claiming that the district was negligent in hiring and supervising former guidance clerk and cheerleader coach Jill Moore.
Moore was fired from her position at the school after it was alleged that she repeatedly took several cheerleaders from class during school hours to engage in sexual activity with 2 National Guard recruiters who had been working at the high school.
Law enforcement officials charged Moore with several counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor and giving alcohol to minors.
Moore also allegedly engaged in sexual activity with a football player at Ware Shoals High School.
The two lawsuits were brought by a Charleston attorney on behalf of one of the ex-cheerleaders and one ex-football player.
The former cheerleader alleges that the school district was negligent by failing to take disciplinary action against Jill Moore, although school officials supposedly knew that she was taking students out of class for alcohol, cigarettes, and sexual encounters.
The former football player alleges that the school district was negligent in that school officials supposedly knew of a sexual relationship between Moore and a football player but did not act to stop it.
In a related development, former Ware Shoals High School Principal Jane Blackwell has brought a lawsuit against law enforcement officials in Ware Shoals and Greenwood County, the athletic director at Ware Shoals High, and a newspaper reporter.
Blackwell was principal at Ware Shoals High at the time of the cheerleader sex scandal and was initially charged by law enforcement with obstruction. Eventually all charges were dropped against Blackwell due to insufficient evidence.
Law enforcement officials had initially alleged that Blackwell knew of the activities of Jill Moore, the cheerleaders, and the football player, but did not act to stop it or report it.
These allegations could not be corroborated, but Blackwell maintains that her reputation was permanently sullied, her professional life ruined, and her financial stability wrecked as a result of her wrongful arrest and the unproved allegations against her. She also alleges that the athletic director and the newspaper reporter engaged in a civil conspiracy against her.
Blackwell is asking for actual and punitive damages in a jury trial.
As for Jill Moore and her legal battles, no information has been made available due to a comprehensive gag order issued by the Judge in her case.
Showing posts with label Jill Moore. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jill Moore. Show all posts
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Friday, July 13, 2007
Ex-Cheerleader Scandal Principal Resigns
Ware Shoals, SC (TLS). Jane Blackwell, who was the principal at Ware Shoals High School in Ware Shoals, South Carolina when the news broke concerning a cheerleader sex scandal involving a school employee, has resigned from the position to which she was reassigned.
After a lengthy hearing of the school board that lasted for days back in April, Blackwell was not allowed to continue as principal of the high school but was reassigned to a different position within the district.
Apparently Blackwell was not satisfied with her new job--a job that took her away from the classroom and schools.
In a sharply-worded letter of resignation, Blackwell left the door open for a return to the district, provided the board allows her to resume her duties as a principal somewhere in the district.
Blackwell accused the school board with incompetence in its handling of the Jill Moore cheerleader sex scandal at the high school.
Moore was accused of sexual activity with a male student while serving as cheerleader coach at Ware Shoals High School, but because the student is over the age of consent, no charges were filed against Moore.
However, Moore was charged with several counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor when she confessed to giving cheerleaders alcohol and cigarettes, and allegedly taking several cheerleaders off campus during school hours for sexual trysts with two National Guard recruiters.
Law enforcement officials also charged Blackwell with obstruction in their investigation of Moore.
No trial date has yet been set for either Moore or Blackwell.
The court has issued a gag order which restricts the principle parties from speaking to the media about the case.
After a lengthy hearing of the school board that lasted for days back in April, Blackwell was not allowed to continue as principal of the high school but was reassigned to a different position within the district.
Apparently Blackwell was not satisfied with her new job--a job that took her away from the classroom and schools.
In a sharply-worded letter of resignation, Blackwell left the door open for a return to the district, provided the board allows her to resume her duties as a principal somewhere in the district.
Blackwell accused the school board with incompetence in its handling of the Jill Moore cheerleader sex scandal at the high school.
Moore was accused of sexual activity with a male student while serving as cheerleader coach at Ware Shoals High School, but because the student is over the age of consent, no charges were filed against Moore.
However, Moore was charged with several counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor when she confessed to giving cheerleaders alcohol and cigarettes, and allegedly taking several cheerleaders off campus during school hours for sexual trysts with two National Guard recruiters.
Law enforcement officials also charged Blackwell with obstruction in their investigation of Moore.
No trial date has yet been set for either Moore or Blackwell.
The court has issued a gag order which restricts the principle parties from speaking to the media about the case.
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....
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Gag Order in Ware Shoals-Jill Moore-Jane Blackwell Case
Ware Shoals, SC (TLS). A Greenwood County court has issued a gag order which will amount to a total news blackout in the Jill Moore-Jane Blackwell-Ware Shoals High School cheerleader sex scandal. The order comes in the wake of the airing of a videotape on a local TV station, showing Jill Moore's interrogation by Greenwood County Sheriff's officials.
The content of the portion of the video that was shown on TV directly involves former Ware Shoals High School principal Jane Blackwell and what she may have known about the activities of former cheerleader coach Jill Moore.
Moore was charged with giving alcohol and cigarettes to minors and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
But it was allegations of sexual misconduct that led to the investigation into Moore's activities, which eventually led to a charge of obstruction brought against Blackwell.
State's attorney Jerry Peace stated that the airing of the video that shows law enforcement interrogation of Moore severely compromises the case and that a change in venue may be necessary. In an effort to drastically reduce the likelihood of further compromises, the Court issued the gag order.
This is not the first time that a local television station became part of this story in Ware Shoals. When Principal Jane Blackwell gave testimony before the Ware Shoals School Board, a local TV station refused to shut off its cameras during the testimony as requested. This led to the meeting going behind closed doors, which angered the 200 or so attendees who were then deprived of hearing Blackwell's testimony.
With today's gag order, a television station or a news source that compromises the integrity of the case will result in legal action by the court.
The content of the portion of the video that was shown on TV directly involves former Ware Shoals High School principal Jane Blackwell and what she may have known about the activities of former cheerleader coach Jill Moore.
Moore was charged with giving alcohol and cigarettes to minors and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
But it was allegations of sexual misconduct that led to the investigation into Moore's activities, which eventually led to a charge of obstruction brought against Blackwell.
State's attorney Jerry Peace stated that the airing of the video that shows law enforcement interrogation of Moore severely compromises the case and that a change in venue may be necessary. In an effort to drastically reduce the likelihood of further compromises, the Court issued the gag order.
This is not the first time that a local television station became part of this story in Ware Shoals. When Principal Jane Blackwell gave testimony before the Ware Shoals School Board, a local TV station refused to shut off its cameras during the testimony as requested. This led to the meeting going behind closed doors, which angered the 200 or so attendees who were then deprived of hearing Blackwell's testimony.
With today's gag order, a television station or a news source that compromises the integrity of the case will result in legal action by the court.
Saturday, May 05, 2007
Ware Shoals' Jane Blackwell in Court Friday
Ware Shoals, SC (TLS). Former Ware Shoals High School principal Jane Blackwell made a court appearance yesterday in Greenwood County. This was an administrative hearing to determine if Blackwell had adequate legal representation and to make sure both the prosecution and the defense were in possession of all evidence.
Blackwell is charged in obstruction in the investigation of former Ware Shoals High School cheerleader coach Jill Moore, who has been charged with several counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
In late April Blackwell appeared before the Ware Shoals School Board at a cumulative 20-hour hearing to make her case for keeping her job as principal of Ware Shoals High School. The Board determined that it was not appropriate for Blackwell to remain as principal of the high school, but decided that she could remain as an employee of the school district.
Blackwell now works in the technology support office of the school district.
Blackwell is charged in obstruction in the investigation of former Ware Shoals High School cheerleader coach Jill Moore, who has been charged with several counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
In late April Blackwell appeared before the Ware Shoals School Board at a cumulative 20-hour hearing to make her case for keeping her job as principal of Ware Shoals High School. The Board determined that it was not appropriate for Blackwell to remain as principal of the high school, but decided that she could remain as an employee of the school district.
Blackwell now works in the technology support office of the school district.
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
JILL MOORE VIDEO SURFACES IN WARE SHOALS
Ware Shoals, SC (TLS). A video of the interrogation of Jill Moore has surfaced in the Ware Shoals sex scandal case that cost Moore her job as cheerleader coach at the Ware Shoals High School. A local TV news outlet somehow secured a copy of the video, which it proceeded to telecast.
Upon Moore's arrest, law enforcement officials with the Greenwood County Sheriff's Department escorted Moore to the Sheriff's office to be questioned. These interrogations are routinely videotaped by law enforcement officials.
The portion of the interrogation that dealt with the subject of how much former Ware Shoals High School principal Jane Blackwell knew about Moore's activities is the part of the video that aired on a local news channel.
Greenwood County law enforcement officials state that they do not know at this time how a portion of the tape wound up in the hands of the news media.
The only persons who were given a copy of the tape were the Circuit Solicitor, attorneys for Moore and Blackwell, and the local Ware Shoals School Board attorney. The local state's attorney, Jerry Peace, stated that the airing of the tape compromises the integrity of the court case against Moore.
Peace indicated that a change of venue may be necessary for the trial, given the heavy local publicity the case has received in the local news.
In keeping with The Liberty Sphere's philosophy that criminal cases (and all other cases, for that matter) should be tried only in a court of law and NOT in the court of public opinion, we will not provide links to any source that had a part in distributing or telecasting this tape.
However, we would like to know who is responsible for the leak.
Upon Moore's arrest, law enforcement officials with the Greenwood County Sheriff's Department escorted Moore to the Sheriff's office to be questioned. These interrogations are routinely videotaped by law enforcement officials.
The portion of the interrogation that dealt with the subject of how much former Ware Shoals High School principal Jane Blackwell knew about Moore's activities is the part of the video that aired on a local news channel.
Greenwood County law enforcement officials state that they do not know at this time how a portion of the tape wound up in the hands of the news media.
The only persons who were given a copy of the tape were the Circuit Solicitor, attorneys for Moore and Blackwell, and the local Ware Shoals School Board attorney. The local state's attorney, Jerry Peace, stated that the airing of the tape compromises the integrity of the court case against Moore.
Peace indicated that a change of venue may be necessary for the trial, given the heavy local publicity the case has received in the local news.
In keeping with The Liberty Sphere's philosophy that criminal cases (and all other cases, for that matter) should be tried only in a court of law and NOT in the court of public opinion, we will not provide links to any source that had a part in distributing or telecasting this tape.
However, we would like to know who is responsible for the leak.
Friday, April 27, 2007
Former Ware Shoals Principal Gets New Job
Ware Shoals, SC (TLS). Former Ware Shoals High School principal Jane Blackwell, who was relieved of her duties this week by the School Board, has been given a new assignment in the technology department of the district office.
Blackwell will begin her new assignment Monday morning.
The Ware Shoals School Board decided this week after more than 20 hours of testimony that although they feel there is no evidence to implicate Blackwell in any wrongdoing, it is a prudent course to reassign her, given the publicity of the scandal at the high school which she served as principal.
Thus, although the Board removed Blackwell as principal of the high school, they agreed that she could remain as an employee of the school district.
Blackwell's woes began when law enforcement officials charged former cheerleader coach Jill Moore with several counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. The Sheriff's department charged Blackwell with obstruction in their investigation of Moore.
Upon her arrest, Moore resigned as a school employee. Blackwell, however, maintained her innocence and requested hearings before the School Board to make her case for continued employment with the Ware Shoals School District.
Blackwell will begin her new assignment Monday morning.
The Ware Shoals School Board decided this week after more than 20 hours of testimony that although they feel there is no evidence to implicate Blackwell in any wrongdoing, it is a prudent course to reassign her, given the publicity of the scandal at the high school which she served as principal.
Thus, although the Board removed Blackwell as principal of the high school, they agreed that she could remain as an employee of the school district.
Blackwell's woes began when law enforcement officials charged former cheerleader coach Jill Moore with several counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. The Sheriff's department charged Blackwell with obstruction in their investigation of Moore.
Upon her arrest, Moore resigned as a school employee. Blackwell, however, maintained her innocence and requested hearings before the School Board to make her case for continued employment with the Ware Shoals School District.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Blackwell Ousted as Principal of Ware Shoals High
Ware Shoals, SC (TLS). In a meeting that lasted until 2 AM, the Ware Shoals School Board decided to remove Jane Blackwell as principal of Ware Shoals High School in the wake of the scandal that involved former cheerleader coach Jill Moore.
Blackwell will be reassigned to another position within the school district, however.
This suggests that the Board accepted the core of Blackwell's position of innocence, yet it was felt that to return Blackwell to her former position as principal of the high school where the cheerleader sex scandal took place would be ill-advised.
Blackwell still faces charges of obstruction.
Thus, this particular chapter of the scandal that brought international attention to Ware Shoals is closed. But there is much more to come. Blackwell has yet to have her day in court. Circuit Solicitor Jerry Peace still has to decide if there is enough evidence to prosecute Blackwell.
And then, there is the whole matter of Jill Moore.
Moore is charged with several counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. She is not charged with criminal sexual conduct, according to the Circuit Solicitor's office, because the cheerleaders involved in the scandal were all over the legal age of consent.
Blackwell will be reassigned to another position within the school district, however.
This suggests that the Board accepted the core of Blackwell's position of innocence, yet it was felt that to return Blackwell to her former position as principal of the high school where the cheerleader sex scandal took place would be ill-advised.
Blackwell still faces charges of obstruction.
Thus, this particular chapter of the scandal that brought international attention to Ware Shoals is closed. But there is much more to come. Blackwell has yet to have her day in court. Circuit Solicitor Jerry Peace still has to decide if there is enough evidence to prosecute Blackwell.
And then, there is the whole matter of Jill Moore.
Moore is charged with several counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. She is not charged with criminal sexual conduct, according to the Circuit Solicitor's office, because the cheerleaders involved in the scandal were all over the legal age of consent.
School Board Meeting in Ware Shoals Drags On
Ware Shoals, SC (TLS). The Ware Shoals School Board's meeting to determine the fate of high school principal Jane Blackwell is dragging into the wee hours of the morning, with the decision concerning Blackwell's continued employment still hanging in the balance.
News sources report that in spite of the fact that the Board has made its decision concerning Blackwell continuing as principal of Ware Shoals High School, the Board is delaying the announcement of that decision so that it can provide a complete oral report of all of the testimony that led to its decision.
This means that page after page of testimony is being read at the meeting prior to making the announcement concerning Blackwell.
Blackwell has consistently maintained her innocence of the obstruction charge resulting from the investigation into former Ware Shoals High School cheerleader coach Jill Moore and the cheerleader sex scandal that involved two S.C. National Guardsmen.
The Ware Shoals School Board began today's meeting at 5:30 PM, and as of this moment the meeting is dragging on as the Board provides full details of all of the information it gathered concerning Blackwell's handling of the Jill Moore-Cheerleader scandal.
At the present rate, it could take the Board several more hours to complete the reading of the testimony.
The Liberty Sphere will provide an update as soon as it is available.
News sources report that in spite of the fact that the Board has made its decision concerning Blackwell continuing as principal of Ware Shoals High School, the Board is delaying the announcement of that decision so that it can provide a complete oral report of all of the testimony that led to its decision.
This means that page after page of testimony is being read at the meeting prior to making the announcement concerning Blackwell.
Blackwell has consistently maintained her innocence of the obstruction charge resulting from the investigation into former Ware Shoals High School cheerleader coach Jill Moore and the cheerleader sex scandal that involved two S.C. National Guardsmen.
The Ware Shoals School Board began today's meeting at 5:30 PM, and as of this moment the meeting is dragging on as the Board provides full details of all of the information it gathered concerning Blackwell's handling of the Jill Moore-Cheerleader scandal.
At the present rate, it could take the Board several more hours to complete the reading of the testimony.
The Liberty Sphere will provide an update as soon as it is available.
Monday, April 23, 2007
Announcement on Jane Blackwell/Ware Shoals Tonight
Ware Shoals, SC (TLS). The Ware Shoals School Board has informed the media that an announcement concerning Ware Shoals High School principal Jane Blackwell's continued employment will be made tonight.
A meeting will be held at 5:30 PM Monday in the Ware Shoals High School Auditorium. The Board had determined that it needed to review all the evidence before making its decision.
In addition, the attorney for Ms. Blackwell stated that he needed to present police report evidence to the Board for review before they take a vote on the employment of his client.
Blackwell was arrested in January for obstruction following a cheerleader scandal at the Ware Shoals High School, involving the activities of former cheerleader coach Jill Moore, who was charged on several counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Allegations that Moore had taken several cheerleaders to a local motel to have sex with two National Guard recruiters resulted in disciplinary action and re-assignment for the two National Guardsmen.
The Ware Shoals School Board for the first time heard Blackwell's side of the story at a special meeting two weeks ago. That meeting went behind closed doors when WSPA-TV channel 7, a CBS affiliate, refused to turn off its cameras during the testimony period of the meeting, as requested days prior to the meeting.
The Board had indicated that it was willing to consider allowing Blackwell to keep her job as principal of Ware Shoals High School if she could demonstrate that she had no intent to obstruct an investigation into Moore.
At tonight's meeting, the Board will review prior testimony, hear further evidence from Blackwell's attorney, and then go into executive session for a vote on Blackwell's continued employment. A Board spokesman stated that when a decision is reached, the Board will make a statement to the media this evening.
The Liberty Sphere will keep you updated on breaking developments....
A meeting will be held at 5:30 PM Monday in the Ware Shoals High School Auditorium. The Board had determined that it needed to review all the evidence before making its decision.
In addition, the attorney for Ms. Blackwell stated that he needed to present police report evidence to the Board for review before they take a vote on the employment of his client.
Blackwell was arrested in January for obstruction following a cheerleader scandal at the Ware Shoals High School, involving the activities of former cheerleader coach Jill Moore, who was charged on several counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Allegations that Moore had taken several cheerleaders to a local motel to have sex with two National Guard recruiters resulted in disciplinary action and re-assignment for the two National Guardsmen.
The Ware Shoals School Board for the first time heard Blackwell's side of the story at a special meeting two weeks ago. That meeting went behind closed doors when WSPA-TV channel 7, a CBS affiliate, refused to turn off its cameras during the testimony period of the meeting, as requested days prior to the meeting.
The Board had indicated that it was willing to consider allowing Blackwell to keep her job as principal of Ware Shoals High School if she could demonstrate that she had no intent to obstruct an investigation into Moore.
At tonight's meeting, the Board will review prior testimony, hear further evidence from Blackwell's attorney, and then go into executive session for a vote on Blackwell's continued employment. A Board spokesman stated that when a decision is reached, the Board will make a statement to the media this evening.
The Liberty Sphere will keep you updated on breaking developments....
Monday, April 16, 2007
Jane Blackwell Fate Decided Tonight in Ware Shoals
Ware Shoals, SC (TLS). Ware Shoals High School principal Jane Blackwell's fate as an employee of the school district will be decided this evening at the regular monthly meeting of the Ware Shoals School Board.
Blackwell had requested a hearing before the Board and district officials to tell her side of the story involving the cheerleader sex scandal investigation into former cheerleader coach Jill Moore.
Over the last two weeks the Board has met twice, for a total of 19 hours, to hear Blackwell's testimony and to discuss her continued employment as principal of the high school.
Blackwell's attorney stated that she had waived her right to remain silent in order to present the facts as she saw them in the aftermath and in the days leading up to the arrest of Jill Moore for contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Blackwell had been arrested for obstruction in the investigation into Moore's activities. Police officials maintain that Blackwell withheld information and asked students to withhold information concerning their investigation of Moore.
Blackwell has steadfastly maintained her innocence.
The Board will make its final decision concerning Blackwell's employment status at the meeting this evening. It is not yet clear as to whether or not there will be an immediate public announcement of the Board's decision.
The Liberty Sphere will keep you updated on further developments.....
Blackwell had requested a hearing before the Board and district officials to tell her side of the story involving the cheerleader sex scandal investigation into former cheerleader coach Jill Moore.
Over the last two weeks the Board has met twice, for a total of 19 hours, to hear Blackwell's testimony and to discuss her continued employment as principal of the high school.
Blackwell's attorney stated that she had waived her right to remain silent in order to present the facts as she saw them in the aftermath and in the days leading up to the arrest of Jill Moore for contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Blackwell had been arrested for obstruction in the investigation into Moore's activities. Police officials maintain that Blackwell withheld information and asked students to withhold information concerning their investigation of Moore.
Blackwell has steadfastly maintained her innocence.
The Board will make its final decision concerning Blackwell's employment status at the meeting this evening. It is not yet clear as to whether or not there will be an immediate public announcement of the Board's decision.
The Liberty Sphere will keep you updated on further developments.....
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Cheerleader Sex Scandal Meeting Continues
Ware Shoals, SC (TLS). The Ware Shoals School Board continued its meeting today in the library adjacent to Ware Shoals High School in order to finish its business related to the employment status of Principal Jane Blackwell, who has been charged with obstruction in the Jill Moore-Ware Shoals Cheerleader Sex Scandal.
Blackwell, principal at Ware Shoals High, had requested a meeting with the Board to make her case as to why she should be allowed to keep her job as principal.
That meeting was scheduled for last Friday, April 6. The meeting had initially been designated open to the public, and 200 parents and family members took the day off from their jobs in order to hear Blackwell's version of the events surrounding the investigation into former Ware Shoals High School cheerleader coach Jill Moore.
The Board had instructed the media not to roll the TV cameras during the testimony phase of the meeting, due to the sensitive nature of the discussion, which no doubt included several under-age high school students.
However, at last Friday's meeting WSPA-TV Channel 7, a CBS affiliate, refused to turn off its cameras as requested, citing a legal right to telecast a public meeting.
At this point the meeting was brought to a quick and abrupt end that sent 200 disappointed observers back home. At Blackwell's request, the meeting went into Executive Session behind closed doors, meaning that there were to be no observers and no news media.
That closed door meeting went on for 12 hours, and when the Board emerged spokesmen stated that it had not concluded its business and that the meeting would be continued today, April 12, in the library adjacent to the high school.
The meeting today is also a closed door meeting, and thus, the media will not know the nature of the discussion except in general as it pertains to Blackwell keeping her job. The Board stated, however, that no decision on Blackwell's continued employment would be made until the regularly scheduled monthly Board meeting on April 16.
Police officials maintain that Blackwell knew about Jill Moore's activities but withheld evidence from them in their investigation. Blackwell through her attorney maintains that she made no attempt to withhold evidence or to obstruct the investigation in any way.
School Board officials state that a full transcript of Blackwell's testimony on April 6 and April 12 will be made available after the April 16 meeting of the Board.
The Ware Shoals High School Cheerleader Sex Scandal made international news when it was disclosed that former cheerleader coach Jill Moore had given alcohol and cigarettes to students off campus, which she has admitted, and that she allegedly took several cheerleaders with her to meet two National Guardsmen at a local motel for sex--a charge which Moore denies.
The Guardsmen, however, were disciplined by their superiors and reassigned.
Blackwell's role in the scandal revolves around the question of what did she know and when did she know it. The Board is attempting to determine if Blackwell followed proper protocol in investigating Moore and if there was any obstruction. Blackwell is not being investigated for any sexual misconduct.
Blackwell, principal at Ware Shoals High, had requested a meeting with the Board to make her case as to why she should be allowed to keep her job as principal.
That meeting was scheduled for last Friday, April 6. The meeting had initially been designated open to the public, and 200 parents and family members took the day off from their jobs in order to hear Blackwell's version of the events surrounding the investigation into former Ware Shoals High School cheerleader coach Jill Moore.
The Board had instructed the media not to roll the TV cameras during the testimony phase of the meeting, due to the sensitive nature of the discussion, which no doubt included several under-age high school students.
However, at last Friday's meeting WSPA-TV Channel 7, a CBS affiliate, refused to turn off its cameras as requested, citing a legal right to telecast a public meeting.
At this point the meeting was brought to a quick and abrupt end that sent 200 disappointed observers back home. At Blackwell's request, the meeting went into Executive Session behind closed doors, meaning that there were to be no observers and no news media.
That closed door meeting went on for 12 hours, and when the Board emerged spokesmen stated that it had not concluded its business and that the meeting would be continued today, April 12, in the library adjacent to the high school.
The meeting today is also a closed door meeting, and thus, the media will not know the nature of the discussion except in general as it pertains to Blackwell keeping her job. The Board stated, however, that no decision on Blackwell's continued employment would be made until the regularly scheduled monthly Board meeting on April 16.
Police officials maintain that Blackwell knew about Jill Moore's activities but withheld evidence from them in their investigation. Blackwell through her attorney maintains that she made no attempt to withhold evidence or to obstruct the investigation in any way.
School Board officials state that a full transcript of Blackwell's testimony on April 6 and April 12 will be made available after the April 16 meeting of the Board.
The Ware Shoals High School Cheerleader Sex Scandal made international news when it was disclosed that former cheerleader coach Jill Moore had given alcohol and cigarettes to students off campus, which she has admitted, and that she allegedly took several cheerleaders with her to meet two National Guardsmen at a local motel for sex--a charge which Moore denies.
The Guardsmen, however, were disciplined by their superiors and reassigned.
Blackwell's role in the scandal revolves around the question of what did she know and when did she know it. The Board is attempting to determine if Blackwell followed proper protocol in investigating Moore and if there was any obstruction. Blackwell is not being investigated for any sexual misconduct.
Sunday, April 08, 2007
Update to Closed Door Meeting in Ware Shoals
Ware Shoals, SC (TLS). The closed door meeting between Ware Shoals High School principal Jane Blackwell and the local School Board went on for 12 hours on Friday. School Board officials state that despite the lengthy meeting, they still did not finish their business, and thus, a follow-up meeting will be held next Thursday, April 12, at the library adjacent to Ware Shoals High School.
Principal Jane Blackwell had requested the meeting to give her side of the story surrounding charges and allegations against former Ware Shoals High School cheerleader coach Jill Moore. Blackwell has been charged with obstruction in the investigation of Moore.
Initially, Blackwell had requested a public meeting. However, the stipulation given to news organizations in advance of the meeting was that there were to be no TV cameras rolling during the testimony phase of the meeting.
WSPA-TV News Channel 7 in Spartanburg, a local CBS affiliate, decided to defy the request, citing the legal right for cameras to be present during public hearings.
This action brought the meeting to a quick halt. School Board officials, and their attorney, at that point stated that the meeting would go into executive session behind closed doors. Blackwell has requested that no cameras be present at her hearing before the Board, due to the sensitive nature of some of the information concerning under-age high school students implicated in the cheerleader sex scandal at the school.
Once again, it seems to us that Blackwell's request was a reasonable one. WSPA's actions, on the other hand, were lacking in basic common sense.
The unwillingness of WSPA to follow a prudent course in sensitive circumstances led to over 200 attendees at the meeting to be sent home without hearing what Blackwell had to say.
The unwise actions of one news organization insured that the public was kept in the dark about the long-anticipated testimony of Ms. Blackwell.
Ware Shoals School Board officials state that a final decision concerning Blackwell's continued employment will be made at the regular monthly meeting of the Board on April 16. At that time complete transcripts of Blackwell's testimony will be made available to news organizations and the public.
Principal Jane Blackwell had requested the meeting to give her side of the story surrounding charges and allegations against former Ware Shoals High School cheerleader coach Jill Moore. Blackwell has been charged with obstruction in the investigation of Moore.
Initially, Blackwell had requested a public meeting. However, the stipulation given to news organizations in advance of the meeting was that there were to be no TV cameras rolling during the testimony phase of the meeting.
WSPA-TV News Channel 7 in Spartanburg, a local CBS affiliate, decided to defy the request, citing the legal right for cameras to be present during public hearings.
This action brought the meeting to a quick halt. School Board officials, and their attorney, at that point stated that the meeting would go into executive session behind closed doors. Blackwell has requested that no cameras be present at her hearing before the Board, due to the sensitive nature of some of the information concerning under-age high school students implicated in the cheerleader sex scandal at the school.
Once again, it seems to us that Blackwell's request was a reasonable one. WSPA's actions, on the other hand, were lacking in basic common sense.
The unwillingness of WSPA to follow a prudent course in sensitive circumstances led to over 200 attendees at the meeting to be sent home without hearing what Blackwell had to say.
The unwise actions of one news organization insured that the public was kept in the dark about the long-anticipated testimony of Ms. Blackwell.
Ware Shoals School Board officials state that a final decision concerning Blackwell's continued employment will be made at the regular monthly meeting of the Board on April 16. At that time complete transcripts of Blackwell's testimony will be made available to news organizations and the public.
Friday, April 06, 2007
Cheerleader Sex Scandal Meeting Drags On
Ware Shoals, SC (TLS). Jane Blackwell, principal of Ware Shoals High School and a central figure in the investigation of the cheerleader sex scandal involving coach Jill Moore, is still meeting behind closed doors at this hour with the school board.
Blackwell had requested the meeting after the Board offered her a chance to tell her side of the story after having been charged with obstruction in the police investigation of former cheerleader coach Jill Moore. The meeting today is key in Blackwell's attempt to keep her job as principal of Ware Shoals High School.
Initially the meeting was open to the public. However, school board officials, and their attorney, had informed the local news media that the meeting would go behind closed doors if news cameras were turned on for Blackwell's testimony.
Local CBS News affiliate WSPA-TV in Spartanburg, SC, chose to ignore the directive of the Board, stating that they had a clear legal right to roll the cameras during a public meeting. At this point, the Board chair and attorney promptly ended the public meeting and took it behind closed doors, at the request of Blackwell.
WSPA-TV rolled out its apologists from legal authorities, law professors, and the like, in order to bolster its contention that it had a legal right to put on camera all of the testimony in a meeting that is 'public.' The law states that in public meetings cameras are allowed.
However, it would seem to us that this is yet another case of a news media outlet allowing a 'legal right' to trump common sense.
This case involves minors. Minors are given protection from having their names published or broadcast in legal matters, particularly when so far there are only allegations and not proven facts established in a court of law. Blackwell's testimony today would no doubt involve the identities of the students who were allegedly part of the actions of former cheerleader coach Jill Moore, who allegedly had a sexual affair with a student and took female cheerleaders to a local motel for sex with two National Guardsmen.
The nature of the facts in this case are so sensitive that prudence, one would think, would dictate discretion on the part of news outlets. Having the legal right to do something and choosing to do it under highly questionable circumstances are two separate issues. WSPA-TV should have turned off the cameras.
Many observers came to the meeting today because they have children in Ware Shoals High School. Many of these took the day off from work to attend. Yet they were deprived of hearing Blackwell's side of the story due to the misguided recklessness on the part of WSPA News. Because of WSPA, these parents and family members were barred from the meeting.
It seems to us that WSPA-TV owes an apology to the persons it inconvenienced today by its dogged determination to ignore prudence in order to 'assert its legal rights.'
So far, today's meeting has been ongoing for 9 hours. We will not know what was said in that meeting. The School Board will not reach a decision concerning Jane Blackwell's job until the next meeting of the Board on April 16.
Blackwell had requested the meeting after the Board offered her a chance to tell her side of the story after having been charged with obstruction in the police investigation of former cheerleader coach Jill Moore. The meeting today is key in Blackwell's attempt to keep her job as principal of Ware Shoals High School.
Initially the meeting was open to the public. However, school board officials, and their attorney, had informed the local news media that the meeting would go behind closed doors if news cameras were turned on for Blackwell's testimony.
Local CBS News affiliate WSPA-TV in Spartanburg, SC, chose to ignore the directive of the Board, stating that they had a clear legal right to roll the cameras during a public meeting. At this point, the Board chair and attorney promptly ended the public meeting and took it behind closed doors, at the request of Blackwell.
WSPA-TV rolled out its apologists from legal authorities, law professors, and the like, in order to bolster its contention that it had a legal right to put on camera all of the testimony in a meeting that is 'public.' The law states that in public meetings cameras are allowed.
However, it would seem to us that this is yet another case of a news media outlet allowing a 'legal right' to trump common sense.
This case involves minors. Minors are given protection from having their names published or broadcast in legal matters, particularly when so far there are only allegations and not proven facts established in a court of law. Blackwell's testimony today would no doubt involve the identities of the students who were allegedly part of the actions of former cheerleader coach Jill Moore, who allegedly had a sexual affair with a student and took female cheerleaders to a local motel for sex with two National Guardsmen.
The nature of the facts in this case are so sensitive that prudence, one would think, would dictate discretion on the part of news outlets. Having the legal right to do something and choosing to do it under highly questionable circumstances are two separate issues. WSPA-TV should have turned off the cameras.
Many observers came to the meeting today because they have children in Ware Shoals High School. Many of these took the day off from work to attend. Yet they were deprived of hearing Blackwell's side of the story due to the misguided recklessness on the part of WSPA News. Because of WSPA, these parents and family members were barred from the meeting.
It seems to us that WSPA-TV owes an apology to the persons it inconvenienced today by its dogged determination to ignore prudence in order to 'assert its legal rights.'
So far, today's meeting has been ongoing for 9 hours. We will not know what was said in that meeting. The School Board will not reach a decision concerning Jane Blackwell's job until the next meeting of the Board on April 16.
Ware Shoals: Meeting Goes Behind Closed Doors
Ware Shoals, SC (TLS). The public meeting scheduled today in Ware Shoals between beleaguered Principal Jane Blackwell and the Ware Shoals School Board went behind closed doors in executive session after a local TV station began rolling the cameras as the meeting commenced.
The news media had been warned that no cameras would be allowed at the meeting.
At least one local media outlet defied the directive, and thus, the meeting was halted, and upon the request of Blackwell the meeting then went into executive session behind closed doors.
Blackwell had requested to appear before the Board at a public meeting to explain her side of the story in the investigation of former cheerleader coach Jill Moore. Blackwell faces charges of obstruction in the case.
At the meeting today, an interesting cast of characters could be seen. None other than Jill Moore herself was in the audience. The local state's attorney, Jerry Peace, was also in attendance, stating that his office was keenly interested in hearing Blackwell's explanation. Peace maintains that Blackwell attempted to cover up the shocking behavior of former Ware Shoals High School cheerleader coach Jill Moore, who was arrested on several counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
The public, however, was deprived of hearing directly from Blackwell concerning these matters due to the actions of the local news media.
The Liberty Sphere will provide updates as they become available.
The news media had been warned that no cameras would be allowed at the meeting.
At least one local media outlet defied the directive, and thus, the meeting was halted, and upon the request of Blackwell the meeting then went into executive session behind closed doors.
Blackwell had requested to appear before the Board at a public meeting to explain her side of the story in the investigation of former cheerleader coach Jill Moore. Blackwell faces charges of obstruction in the case.
At the meeting today, an interesting cast of characters could be seen. None other than Jill Moore herself was in the audience. The local state's attorney, Jerry Peace, was also in attendance, stating that his office was keenly interested in hearing Blackwell's explanation. Peace maintains that Blackwell attempted to cover up the shocking behavior of former Ware Shoals High School cheerleader coach Jill Moore, who was arrested on several counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
The public, however, was deprived of hearing directly from Blackwell concerning these matters due to the actions of the local news media.
The Liberty Sphere will provide updates as they become available.
Public to Hear from Key Figure in Sex Scandal
Ware Shoals, SC (TLS). For the very first time since the story of Jill Moore broke, a key figure in the Ware Shoals High School cheerleader sex scandal will go public with her side of the story.
Ware Shoals High School Principal Jane Blackwell will publicly discuss her role in the events leading to her arrest for obstruction and the resignation of Moore this morning in a special open meeting of the School Board. The meeting will be held in the Ware Shoals High School Auditorium and will be begin at 9 AM.
Blackwell faces charges of obstruction and hiding evidence from police in their investigation of former cheerleader coach Jill Moore, who resigned after admitting that she took students off campus after ball games to give them alcohol and cigarettes. She has been charged with several counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
Moore denies the charges of an affair with a male student at the high school or of taking cheerleaders off campus during the school day to meet two National Guardsmen for sex. The Guardsmen, however, have been disciplined and reassigned, which suggests that there is reason to believe something untoward took place between them, the cheerleaders, and Moore.
The office of the Circuit Solicitor (the state's attorney) states that the only reason the two Guardsmen were not charged with rape is that the cheerleaders in question are over the legal age of consent in S.C.
Principal Blackwell's role in this sordid mess involves what she knew (or didn't know), and what she did about it. Law enforcement officials claim they confiscated a diary belonging to Blackwell that details an internal school investigation into the allegations about Jill Moore. In addition, several students claim that Blackwell told them not to speak to investigators. Thus, the obstruction charge.
Blackwell's attorney has dismissed the claims by the students that his client forbade them to speak to investigators. Instead, he says, Blackwell was referring to gossip about the case in the middle of an ongoing police investigation.
Yet, there is another key element pertaining to the validity of the obstruction charge. This issue revolves around what Blackwell knew and when she knew it. If she was, indeed, conducting an internal investigation into allegations of improper behavior on the part of a school employee, then the details concerning the time line of that investigation are key.
How long had the investigation been ongoing? What did Blackwell uncover? Had her investigation been completed? If so, when? If not, then what was the focus of the continuing incomplete investigation? Is there any indication in the diary of what Blackwell intended to do once the investigation was complete?
In addition, what is school district protocol in cases of this nature? Was Blackwell following procedure in withholding information concerning the investigation until district officials had been notified about her findings? Had they already been notified of her findings? If not, is there any indication in the documents that Blackwell was intending to disclose the results of her investigation to district officials?
These questions are of utmost importance, for there may be a very simple explanation to each of the allegations concerning Blackwell's alleged 'obstruction.'
Perhaps Blackwell will shed timely and revealing light on these issues this morning.
Ware Shoals High School Principal Jane Blackwell will publicly discuss her role in the events leading to her arrest for obstruction and the resignation of Moore this morning in a special open meeting of the School Board. The meeting will be held in the Ware Shoals High School Auditorium and will be begin at 9 AM.
Blackwell faces charges of obstruction and hiding evidence from police in their investigation of former cheerleader coach Jill Moore, who resigned after admitting that she took students off campus after ball games to give them alcohol and cigarettes. She has been charged with several counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
Moore denies the charges of an affair with a male student at the high school or of taking cheerleaders off campus during the school day to meet two National Guardsmen for sex. The Guardsmen, however, have been disciplined and reassigned, which suggests that there is reason to believe something untoward took place between them, the cheerleaders, and Moore.
The office of the Circuit Solicitor (the state's attorney) states that the only reason the two Guardsmen were not charged with rape is that the cheerleaders in question are over the legal age of consent in S.C.
Principal Blackwell's role in this sordid mess involves what she knew (or didn't know), and what she did about it. Law enforcement officials claim they confiscated a diary belonging to Blackwell that details an internal school investigation into the allegations about Jill Moore. In addition, several students claim that Blackwell told them not to speak to investigators. Thus, the obstruction charge.
Blackwell's attorney has dismissed the claims by the students that his client forbade them to speak to investigators. Instead, he says, Blackwell was referring to gossip about the case in the middle of an ongoing police investigation.
Yet, there is another key element pertaining to the validity of the obstruction charge. This issue revolves around what Blackwell knew and when she knew it. If she was, indeed, conducting an internal investigation into allegations of improper behavior on the part of a school employee, then the details concerning the time line of that investigation are key.
How long had the investigation been ongoing? What did Blackwell uncover? Had her investigation been completed? If so, when? If not, then what was the focus of the continuing incomplete investigation? Is there any indication in the diary of what Blackwell intended to do once the investigation was complete?
In addition, what is school district protocol in cases of this nature? Was Blackwell following procedure in withholding information concerning the investigation until district officials had been notified about her findings? Had they already been notified of her findings? If not, is there any indication in the documents that Blackwell was intending to disclose the results of her investigation to district officials?
These questions are of utmost importance, for there may be a very simple explanation to each of the allegations concerning Blackwell's alleged 'obstruction.'
Perhaps Blackwell will shed timely and revealing light on these issues this morning.
Thursday, April 05, 2007
Important Update on Jane Blackwell/Ware Shoals Meeting
Ware Shoals, SC (TLS). Ware Shoals High School Principal Jane Blackwell will hold a public meeting with the School Board on Friday, April 6, at 9 AM, in the Ware Shoals High School Auditorium, in order to present her side of the story in the Jill Moore Cheerleader Sex Scandal.
There had been earlier conflicting reports concerning the nature of the meeting. One report indicated the meeting was open to the public, the other saying it was not. However, the latest word from school board officials is that the meeting is open to the public, but TV news cameras will not be allowed.
The directive is that should TV news teams begin rolling the cameras, the public meeting will immediately be brought to a close, and the meeting will then go into executive session--behind close doors if Blackwell so requests.
Meanwhile, State's Attorney Jerry Peace stated that he had been given new information by the Greenwood County Sheriff's Department indicating that Blackwell may have lied about her knowledge, or lack of knowledge, concerning the activities of former cheerleader coach Jill Moore, who has been charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Peace stated that officials from the Circuit Solicitor's office will be at the meeting Friday morning to hear Blackwell's explanation.
Blackwell's attorney maintains that his client had no direct knowledge of Moore's activities, particularly when they occurred off school property, and that Blackwell would thus have no authority related to matters that had not been proved.
Thus, not only is Blackwell fighting to keep her job but she is also fighting to stay out of jail.
Needless to say, the community of Ware Shoals anxiously awaits to hear from the Principal herself on Friday morning concerning her version of the events and how she went about handling the issues surrounding the investigation of Jill Moore.
In a late-breaking related note, South Carolina's State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has information that potentially implicates the Ware Shoals School District in the misappropriation of funds. Law enforcement officials state that their investigation into Jill Moore, Jane Blackwell, and the cheerleaders at Ware Shoals High School uncovered information that may indicate a misappropriation of funds at the District level.
A spokesperson for the Ware Shoals School District stated that they are fully cooperating with the investigation and that all of their financial records are open to inspection.
There had been earlier conflicting reports concerning the nature of the meeting. One report indicated the meeting was open to the public, the other saying it was not. However, the latest word from school board officials is that the meeting is open to the public, but TV news cameras will not be allowed.
The directive is that should TV news teams begin rolling the cameras, the public meeting will immediately be brought to a close, and the meeting will then go into executive session--behind close doors if Blackwell so requests.
Meanwhile, State's Attorney Jerry Peace stated that he had been given new information by the Greenwood County Sheriff's Department indicating that Blackwell may have lied about her knowledge, or lack of knowledge, concerning the activities of former cheerleader coach Jill Moore, who has been charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Peace stated that officials from the Circuit Solicitor's office will be at the meeting Friday morning to hear Blackwell's explanation.
Blackwell's attorney maintains that his client had no direct knowledge of Moore's activities, particularly when they occurred off school property, and that Blackwell would thus have no authority related to matters that had not been proved.
Thus, not only is Blackwell fighting to keep her job but she is also fighting to stay out of jail.
Needless to say, the community of Ware Shoals anxiously awaits to hear from the Principal herself on Friday morning concerning her version of the events and how she went about handling the issues surrounding the investigation of Jill Moore.
In a late-breaking related note, South Carolina's State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has information that potentially implicates the Ware Shoals School District in the misappropriation of funds. Law enforcement officials state that their investigation into Jill Moore, Jane Blackwell, and the cheerleaders at Ware Shoals High School uncovered information that may indicate a misappropriation of funds at the District level.
A spokesperson for the Ware Shoals School District stated that they are fully cooperating with the investigation and that all of their financial records are open to inspection.
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Breaking Update on Ware Shoals Cheerleader Scandal
Ware Shoals, SC (TLS). Greenwood County, South Carolina law enforcement officials stated late today that they had completed their investigation into obstruction on the part of Ware Shoals High School Principal Jane Blackwell. Their conclusions have been sent to SLED--the State Law Enforcement Division in Columbia, SC.
Blackwell was arrested as part of the investigation into former Ware Shoals Cheerleader Coach Jill Moore, who was charged with giving alcohol and cigarettes to minors off school property after ball games. Moore also allegedly got several cheerleaders out of class during the school day to go with her to a local motel for sex with two S.C. National Guardsmen, both of whom have been disciplined and re-assigned.
The charges against Blackwell stemmed from statements by several students at Ware Shoals High School who reported that the principal instructed them not to speak to anyone concerning the Jill Moore case. The students told law enforcement officials that they took the instructions to mean they were forbidden to speak to investigators about what they knew about Jill Moore and the cheerleaders.
Blackwell, however, strongly disputes the students' interpretation of her words, insisting that she merely did not want students engaging in gossip around school--gossip that could interfere with an ongoing police investigation.
Greenwood County law enforcement officials state that Blackwell possessed information concerning Moore that should have been turned over to investigators.
The Ware Shoals School Board invited Blackwell to give her side of the story. Blackwell has agreed to appear before the Board and school district officials this coming Friday, April 6, at 9 AM, at the Ware Shoals High School gymnasium. This meeting is NOT open to the general public.
As always, The Liberty Sphere will alert you to further updates.
Blackwell was arrested as part of the investigation into former Ware Shoals Cheerleader Coach Jill Moore, who was charged with giving alcohol and cigarettes to minors off school property after ball games. Moore also allegedly got several cheerleaders out of class during the school day to go with her to a local motel for sex with two S.C. National Guardsmen, both of whom have been disciplined and re-assigned.
The charges against Blackwell stemmed from statements by several students at Ware Shoals High School who reported that the principal instructed them not to speak to anyone concerning the Jill Moore case. The students told law enforcement officials that they took the instructions to mean they were forbidden to speak to investigators about what they knew about Jill Moore and the cheerleaders.
Blackwell, however, strongly disputes the students' interpretation of her words, insisting that she merely did not want students engaging in gossip around school--gossip that could interfere with an ongoing police investigation.
Greenwood County law enforcement officials state that Blackwell possessed information concerning Moore that should have been turned over to investigators.
The Ware Shoals School Board invited Blackwell to give her side of the story. Blackwell has agreed to appear before the Board and school district officials this coming Friday, April 6, at 9 AM, at the Ware Shoals High School gymnasium. This meeting is NOT open to the general public.
As always, The Liberty Sphere will alert you to further updates.
Monday, April 02, 2007
Breaking News on Cheerleader Sex Scandal
Ware Shoals, SC (TLS). Jane Blackwell, the principal of Ware Shoals High School accused of obstruction in the investigation of former cheerleader coach Jill Moore, will appear at a public hearing of the school board this Friday, April 6, 2007.
The meeting, which is open to the public, will take place in the Ware Shoals High School gymnasium.
Blackwell had requested the public meeting after the school board had offered to give her a hearing regarding her continued employment. The beleaguered principal chose a public hearing so that her side of the story can be told amid rumors that have run rampant in this small community.
This scandal revolves around former Ware Shoals High School cheerleading coach Jill Moore and several of her cheerleaders. Moore has admitted to giving alcohol and cigarettes to some of the cheerleaders off-campus. She is charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor. However, further investigations revealed that Moore allegedly got some of the cheerleaders out of class early, during school hours, in order to meet S.C. National Guardsmen at a local motel for sex.
The Guardsmen have since been disciplined and reassigned.
No criminal charges have been filed in these incidents due to the fact that none of the cheerleaders in question were under the legal age of consent.
However, Principal Jane Blackwell was charged by local investigators of obstruction when several students at Ware Shoals High School reported that she had instructed them not to speak to authorities about the case concerning Moore.
Blackwell had conducted her own investigation into the behavior of Moore late last year and had written her reports in a diary that police officials confiscated as evidence. Blackwell contends that she instructed students not to talk about the case in order to prevent false rumors from spreading around the school and the community. She maintains she never intended for her students not to speak to law enforcement officials investigating the case.
With her job on the line, Blackwell has maintained that she did absolutely nothing improper and that she intends to fight to keep her position with the school district.
At a meeting in February, the Ware Shoals School Board voted to invite Blackwell to a meeting of the Board to give her side of the story and to make her case as to why she should keep her job. The Board gave her the opportunity to accept or decline the offer and to choose whether she wanted a private or public meeting.
Blackwell chose a public meeting.
Anticipating a large crowd for the meeting, the school board decided that the hearing will be held in the gymnasium of the Ware Shoals High School this coming Friday, April 6.
The meeting, which is open to the public, will take place in the Ware Shoals High School gymnasium.
Blackwell had requested the public meeting after the school board had offered to give her a hearing regarding her continued employment. The beleaguered principal chose a public hearing so that her side of the story can be told amid rumors that have run rampant in this small community.
This scandal revolves around former Ware Shoals High School cheerleading coach Jill Moore and several of her cheerleaders. Moore has admitted to giving alcohol and cigarettes to some of the cheerleaders off-campus. She is charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor. However, further investigations revealed that Moore allegedly got some of the cheerleaders out of class early, during school hours, in order to meet S.C. National Guardsmen at a local motel for sex.
The Guardsmen have since been disciplined and reassigned.
No criminal charges have been filed in these incidents due to the fact that none of the cheerleaders in question were under the legal age of consent.
However, Principal Jane Blackwell was charged by local investigators of obstruction when several students at Ware Shoals High School reported that she had instructed them not to speak to authorities about the case concerning Moore.
Blackwell had conducted her own investigation into the behavior of Moore late last year and had written her reports in a diary that police officials confiscated as evidence. Blackwell contends that she instructed students not to talk about the case in order to prevent false rumors from spreading around the school and the community. She maintains she never intended for her students not to speak to law enforcement officials investigating the case.
With her job on the line, Blackwell has maintained that she did absolutely nothing improper and that she intends to fight to keep her position with the school district.
At a meeting in February, the Ware Shoals School Board voted to invite Blackwell to a meeting of the Board to give her side of the story and to make her case as to why she should keep her job. The Board gave her the opportunity to accept or decline the offer and to choose whether she wanted a private or public meeting.
Blackwell chose a public meeting.
Anticipating a large crowd for the meeting, the school board decided that the hearing will be held in the gymnasium of the Ware Shoals High School this coming Friday, April 6.
Friday, March 30, 2007
Update on Jill Moore/Ware Shoals Sex Scandal
Ware Shoals, SC (TLS). Former Ware Shoals High School cheerleader coach Jill Moore appeared in court this morning at an 'administrative hearing' to determine if Moore had legal counsel. Moore stated that she is being represented by attorney W. Townes Jones.
Jill Moore was arrested in January after information surfaced that implicated her in a sordid sex scandal involving some of her cheerleaders. She has been charged with contributing to the delinquency of minors after she admitted to giving alcohol and cigarettes to cheerleaders.
This was only the tip of the iceberg, however. Moore had allegedly gotten some cheerleaders out of class early during the school day in order to go to a local motel, where they would engage in sex with two S.C. National Guardsmen. The two Guardsmen were disciplined by the S.C. National Guard, but because the cheerleaders in question are over the age of consent in S.C., no one was charged with criminal sexual misconduct. Moore resigned from her position with the Ware Shoals High School.
Moore's father is the Pastor of a prominent Baptist church in the community. He was also a member of the School Board in Ware Shoals. Upon receiving the news about his daughter's legal issues, he resigned from the School Board, stating that he wanted no appearance of impropriety.
The 'administrative hearing' concerning Moore's legal counsel this morning is rather odd, however, given that Moore had retained the services of W. Townes Jones in January.
Jill Moore was arrested in January after information surfaced that implicated her in a sordid sex scandal involving some of her cheerleaders. She has been charged with contributing to the delinquency of minors after she admitted to giving alcohol and cigarettes to cheerleaders.
This was only the tip of the iceberg, however. Moore had allegedly gotten some cheerleaders out of class early during the school day in order to go to a local motel, where they would engage in sex with two S.C. National Guardsmen. The two Guardsmen were disciplined by the S.C. National Guard, but because the cheerleaders in question are over the age of consent in S.C., no one was charged with criminal sexual misconduct. Moore resigned from her position with the Ware Shoals High School.
Moore's father is the Pastor of a prominent Baptist church in the community. He was also a member of the School Board in Ware Shoals. Upon receiving the news about his daughter's legal issues, he resigned from the School Board, stating that he wanted no appearance of impropriety.
The 'administrative hearing' concerning Moore's legal counsel this morning is rather odd, however, given that Moore had retained the services of W. Townes Jones in January.
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