SEX, DRUGS CODE WORDS IN TEENS' TEXT MESSAGES

Washington, DC (TLS). Parents, you may want to educate yourselves on today's teen lingo if you want to protect your teenagers from drugs and illicit sex. According to a major study released yesterday, teens are using code words in their text messages to hide the fact that they are talking sex and drugs.

The study reports that there is an entire underground language to designate things such as pot, Ecstasy, cocaine, and other drugs, as well as lingo that indicates where to meet up to use them.

In addition, one out of ten text messages are explicitly sexual in nature. Yet parents often believe their underage teens are innocent simply because they are not familiar with the terms their kids are using.

With pedophiles on the prowl as never before, it is vitally important for parents to learn the terms their kids are using in order to protect them from online predators and to monitor inappropriate behavior.

Click here to read the complete story and find out what you can do about it:
http://wcbstv.com/seenon/local_story_171170917.html

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 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.

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.

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....

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Parents Meet With School Officials on Sex Scandal

Clinton, SC (TLS). A group of concerned parents met with school officials at the District Office of Laurens County School District 56 in Clinton concerning the recent sex scandal involving five teenagers and a middle school teacher.

Allenna Williams Ward has been charged with criminal sexual misconduct following accusations by the five teenagers that Ward had engaged in sex with them in numerous public locations around Clinton.

The meeting was called today after parents requested an update on the status of the case.

Meanwhile, organizers were getting ready to hold a candlelight vigil in Clinton on Monday evening to call for an end to student-teacher sexual liaisons and as a means of urging students to report such incidents. However, it became very clear that the vigil had another objective.

Underlying the motivation of vigil organizers is the belief that Allenna Williams Ward 'stole the virginity' of the five black teenagers, ages 14-15.

However, as of today not a shred of evidence exists that remotely suggests that Ward is guilty of the crimes of which she is accused. The teenagers maintain that the encounters took place in various places where someone, somewhere would have easily noticed--the Bell Street Middle School, a Clinton motel, behind a restaurant in town, and at a local public park. Yet so far the Circuit Solicitor's office has not confirmed that there is any evidence showing that Ward was ever a guest at that hotel or that anyone can place her in any of the areas where these acts supposedly occurred.

The scant evidence that exists is dubious at best. A note supposedly surfaced that proved the entire story. Yet the truth is that the teacher had instructed the student not to speak in class as a disciplinary issue. If he had a question he was supposed to write it on paper. Instead, he sent the teacher an obscene note, which Ward immediately threw into the garbage can.

This note somehow mysteriously finds its way to the administrative offices of the Bell Street Middle School and is used by the accusers and others as 'proof' that something sordid was happening between Ward and the teenagers.

In like manner, the defense attorney representing three of the teenagers (and why do they need lawyers?) offered a cell phone/digital camera photo of Ward as 'proof' that the teenagers are telling the truth. But the truth of the matter is that the infamous 'cell phone photo' shows nothing sordid at all. It is a picture that one of the teenagers took of Ward during class--a picture the student took from behind.

Following the attorney's charges, wild rumors ensued to the effect that one of the teenagers had a lewd picture of Ward's buttocks. The truth is that Ward is fully clothed in that particular photo, teaching her class. In addition, a student is forbidden to have cell phones in school as a matter of official policy. The mere fact that the student took a cell phone photo of Ward in class shows a blatant disregard for school regulations.

The very fact that yet another meeting was held between parents and teachers shows that critical questions remain concerning the facts in this case. So much of it does not make sense and defies all human logic.

In addition, the fact that parents and friends of the five teenagers would feel the need to hold a very public vigil, making very public statements that presume Ward's guilt, is another indication that perhaps the state's case against Ward is weak at best.

As we have seen in Durham, North Carolina with the Mike Nifong-Duke lacrosse rape hoax, when an accuser's 'facts' are highly questionable, the foot soldiers take to the streets to try the case in the court of public opinion LONG before there is any trial to establish the truth.

If the facts in a case are clear and unmistakable, there is no need for such grandstanding.

Granted, Ward has not yet faced a jury of her peers. The trial itself is a long way off, if there is to be a trial. A jury may well decide, after looking at the evidence and considering the various factors in the case, that Ward is guilty. If this is, indeed, the outcome of the trial and the evidence proves it, then so be it.

Yet as of today there is still nothing but accusations--and no confirmation of those accusations.

S.C. School District Updates Info on Sex Scandal

Washington, DC (TLS). Laurens County School District 56 has updated its website with the latest information on the sex scandal involving a Bell Street Middle School teacher and male students between the ages of 14 and 15.

As reported on The Liberty Sphere late Friday, Allena Williams Ward, the 23-year-old married teacher accused of alleged criminal sexual activity with minors, was released from jail Friday afternoon after posting bail. Ward left the detention facility accompanied by her husband and other family members who are avidly expressing support for the accused teacher.

Parents of young teens in the school district, however, are not so happy about Ward's release. These parents have also expressed their ire at school district officials who refused to answer any questions related to the case in a special meeting with parents on Thursday evening.

However, the school district has provided updated information on its website. Documents related to the case and the school district's response are available on pdf files. These files can be accessed by going to the district website at:
http://www.laurens56.k12.sc.us/

As always, The Liberty Sphere will provide updates as they become available.

Teacher in S.C. Sex Scandal Released on Bond

Washington, DC (TLS). Allena Williams Ward, the 23-year-old married teacher charged in a sex scandal involving 14-15 year-old boys has been released from jail on bond.

Ward was released late this afternoon and was accompanied by her husband and other family members, who are reportedly giving the accused teacher their full support. An electronic tracking device issued by the Laurens County Sheriff's Department will monitor Ward's movements. She is allowed to travel only to church, to her attorney's office, to the court, and to her doctor.

Law enforcement officials stated that if Ward violates the terms of this 'house arrest,' officers will be immediately notified via email or cell phone.

Parents of students in Laurens County School District 56 are none too pleased that Ward was released from jail today, claiming that she is a threat to their children. The local District Attorney, which in South Carolina is referred to as the 'Circuit Solicitor,' had sought to prevent Ward's release and/or to make her bail much higher. Parents are outraged that Ward's bail was set so low. Her release today occurred only two days after her arrest.

The Circuit Solicitor in the case has referred to Ward as a threat to the public given the predatory nature of her alleged sex crimes. If this allegation is proved in court, there is much more here than what meets the eye. A case can be made that predatory sex acts committed against under-age persons is a hideous disease that is deserving of psychiatric evaluation and treatment, in addition to whatever punishment the court deems necessary.

Yet, as always, it cannot be overly stressed that so far the charges against Ward are allegations. Her first court date is set for roughly one month from today. Only a court of law can determine guilt or innocence. So far, nothing has been proved and no verdict has been issued.

The Liberty Sphere is committed to reminding communities and victims in cases such as this to remember that in America the accused must not be found guilty in the court of public opinion before any evidence has been submitted to a court of law. There will be plenty enough time for all the evidence to be presented in court and for a jury to deliberate as to its authenticity.

The citizens of Clinton, South Carolina must allow the attorneys, the court, and the jury to carefully consider the facts in the case before any judgment is to be rendered. At present, Mrs. Ward is accused of ALLEGED crimes, and she must be presumed innocent until a jury finds her guilty.

UPDATE ON SEX SPREE BY FEMALE TEACHER

Washington, DC (TLS). The Liberty Sphere learned late Thursday evening that outrage erupted at a South Carolina middle school over the arrest of a female teacher who is charged with having sex with 14 and 15 year old boys.

23-year-old Allena Williams Ward was arrested on Wednesday of this week on 5 counts of criminal sexual misconduct with a minor and 6 counts of lewd acts on a minor.

Ward taught at Bell Street Middle School in Clinton, South Carolina, a small town of roughly 10,000 located 65 miles north of the state capital of Columbia.

Bell Street Middle School is part of Laurens County School District 56. The school board held a meeting on Thursday evening with concerned parents. However, many of the parents who attended the meeting emerged with more questions, and more outrage, than when they entered.

According to parents who spoke to the media after the school board meeting, parents were not allowed to ask any questions. The school board took the entirety of the meeting to explain the details of the alleged incidents involving Mrs. Ward and the steps the board is taking to provide assistance to students and families in the aftermath of the scandal.

However, some parents claim that it was simply not enough.

School board officials stated that their objective for the meeting was to convey information and details in as straightforward a manner as possible, and that teachers and administrators are grieving along with parents.

District 56 officials have posted complete information concerning the scandal on its official website. The District maintains that it intends to be as open about the case as the law allows, given that charges have been brought against one of its teachers and that the case is now under the jurisdiction of the court.

From what we can tell, Laurens County School District 56 is taking prudent steps. In cases such as this certain details cannot be disclosed due to legal considerations. In addition, we must again remember that the charges are of alleged actions. No one as yet has been convicted in a court of law for doing anything illegal. Mrs. Ward must have her hearing in court, and the court is the only proper place for all details to be disclosed--details that will either convict or exonerate the defendant.

It bears repeating here once again that in the United States legal system, a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Only the court can determine guilt in this case. Ward must not be tried in the court of public opinion, no matter how hideous the charges are against her.

To view the press releases of the Clinton law enforcement division, the Laurens County School District 56, as well as the plan of services the District will offer to students, parents, and staff effected by this incident, click here to go directly to the District 56 website:
http://www.laurens56.k12.sc.us/

Another Female Teacher Goes on Sex Spree

Washington, DC (TLS). The Liberty Sphere has learned that yet another female teacher in South Carolina, only 30 miles or so from Ware Shoals, has gone on a sex spree with under-age students. This time the setting is Clinton, South Carolina, a small town 35 miles south of Greenville and 65 miles north of the state capital of Columbia.

The teacher in question, 23-year-old Allenna Williams Ward, taught in a middle school in the Clinton, SC area. The married teacher is charged with 5 counts of criminal sexual conduct with a minor, and 6 counts of lewd acts on a minor. Investigations into the conduct of Ward ensued when she allegedly sent sexually suggestive messages to a student--which were inadvertently discovered by school officials.

Law enforcement officials conducted their investigations into the acts that allegedly occurred between December and early February, and discovered that Ward allegedly engaged in sex with at least 5 teenage boys, ages 14 and 15, in the school building, in city parks, as well as a nearly motel.

Ward was arrested on Wednesday of this week and placed on administrative leave by the school district pending a court hearing. She is being held on bond. If she makes bail, she will be monitored electronically by law enforcement officials.

The Liberty Sphere continues to be baffled by the rash of incidents around the country involving FEMALE teachers and teenage boys.

Latest Update on Ware Shoals Cheerleader Sex Scandal

Washington, DC (TLS). The District School Board in Ware Shoals, SC went into executive session Monday afternoon to deliberate their options related to Ware Shoals High School principal Jane Blackwell. Blackwell was charged with obstruction by the Greenwood County Sheriff's Department as it conducted its investigation into the conduct of cheerleader coach Jill Moore and the sex, alcohol, and cigarette scandal involving several cheerleaders and National Guardsmen.

Blackwell had allegedly told students not to speak to anyone about the allegations once the story broke that Moore had been placed under arrest. Cheerleaders reportedly took Blackwell's instructions as a directive not to speak even to Sheriff's deputies about the incidents.

However, Blackwell's attorney insists that his client's only objective was to keep down rumor in the aftermath of the scandal that rocked the small town of Ware Shoals, and that she never intended for her directive to prohibit anyone from speaking to law enforcement officials.

Today the School Board voted to send Blackwell an official letter inviting her to request a hearing before the Board to tell her side of the story. According to School Board spokesmen, the Board wishes to hear directly from Blackwell as to why she feels she should keep her position as principal of Ware Shoals High School. The spokesman also stated that it would be Blackwell's decision as to whether or not there is such a hearing, but that the Board is encouraging her to make the request. In addition, the Board encouraged Blackwell in the letter to request that her hearing before the Board be made open to the public so that citizens in the community could hear directly from the principal her side of the events that led to her arrest.

Former cheerleader coach Jill Moore resigned from the school upon her arrest for contributing to the delinquency of minors and passing alcohol to minors.

The Liberty Sphere thinks that the offer by the School Board for Blackwell to gain a full, complete, and public hearing of her story is a reasonable approach. The beleaguered principal had conducted her own investigation of Moore late last year, the findings of which she kept in a diary. This fact gives the appearance that Blackwell was doing her job as principal and had planned to do something with the evidence she had gathered. Normally in matters related to personnel, internal investigations must be completed before legal action is taken. Perhaps Blackwell was waiting for all of the facts to be corroborated and verified before taking further action. But this is all conjecture at this point.

Blackwell's appearance before the School Board will be a welcome first step in sorting out the facts in this case. The Liberty Sphere hopes that she will take the Board's offer and make her appearance before them in order to present her version of what took place.

Late-Breaking Update on Ware Shoals-Cheerleader Scandal

Washington, DC (TLS). The Liberty Sphere has learned late today that the South Carolina National Guard has reprimanded, demoted, and relieved from recruitment duty the two Guardsmen involved in the Ware Shoals High School cheerleader sex scandal. Sgt. 1st Class Thomas Fletcher, 29, and Sgt. Jeremy Pileggi, 21, were placed on part-time duty along with their demotion and will not be allowed to do recruiting for the Guard.

Fletcher has admitted to an affair with former Ware Shoals High School cheerleader coach Jill Moore, a married mother of two. Pileggi has confessed to having sex with a 16-year-old Ware Shoals High School cheerleader, whom Moore had allegedly taken to a motel to have sex with Pileggi and watch as Moore had sex with Fletcher. S.C. Law states that the age of legal consensual sex is 16 years of age. Thus, Pileggi will not be charged with statutory rape.

Moore has not been convicted as yet of any crime. She is charged with passing alcohol to a minor and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Moore has confessed to taking several cheerleaders off school grounds after football games, where she would give the students alcohol and cigarettes.

The Liberty Sphere will provide regular updates to this story as Moore and Ware Shoals High School principal Jane Blackwell face charges in court. Blackwell allegedly obstructed the investigation into Moore's activities.