School Security Guard Charged With Sending Sexual Content to Student

A security guard assigned to Rochester Community Schools has been charged with distributing sexually content to a child, according to Rochester Superintendent Robert Shaner. 

"Upon discovering evidence of inappropriate interactions conducted by the guard toward a Stoney Creek student, the district took immediate action, informing local law enforcement and requesting his removal from the district," Shaner wrote. "We have cooperated with the Sheriff’s Office during the investigation while providing support to the student and family involved in this incident."

Shaner indicated the district will work with families and law enforcement to ensure a safe environment for all students and asks that anyone who witnesses suspicious incidents or interactions to contact the building principal.

Shaner also indicated the district is reviewing its contract with D.M. Burr.

"As we devote the resources necessary to ensure that matters such as these are addressed with utmost seriousness, we will not allow this to distract us from our commitment to delivering a quality education to our students," Shaner wrote.

The district did not provide the security guard's name. 

The note to district parents appears in its entirety below:

December 19, 2013

Dear Parents,

I am very sorry to be writing you, especially this time of year, with information regarding an incident that occurred involving a security guard employed by D. M. Burr Security Services, which contracts security personnel to the district.  The individual in question has been charged with a two-year felony for distributing sexually explicit, visual, or verbal matter to a child.

Upon discovering evidence of inappropriate interactions conducted by the guard toward a Stoney Creek student, the district took immediate action, informing local law enforcement and requesting his removal from the district.  We have cooperated with the Sheriff’s Office during the investigation while providing support to the student and family involved in this incident.

Nationwide incidents such as this have prompted schools to take strict precautions to ensure the continued safety of children. Rochester Community Schools, as well as the professional contracting services used by the district, conduct criminal background checks to screen candidates prior to employment. Despite these precautions, it can be difficult to determine intent to cause harm to others.

We recognize that the allegations brought against this individual are extremely serious. Please be assured that we will continue to work in partnership with families and law enforcement to ensure a safe, healthy, school environment for all students. We encourage anyone who may witness suspicious incidents to contact the building principal. We take all concerns very seriously and will respond accordingly to each. We are also reviewing our contract with D. M. Burr.

As we devote the resources necessary to ensure that matters such as these are addressed with utmost seriousness, we will not allow this to distract us from our commitment to delivering a quality education to our students.

Thank you for your continuing support and cooperation as we strive to provide a caring atmosphere that fosters healthy, positive relationships.  

Sincerely,

Robert Shaner, Ph.D.

Superintendent

Rochester Community Schools