Greencastle teacher facing police investigation

Friday, May 2, 2008

A Greencastle Middle School teacher has been placed on paid administrative leave and is facing a police investigation, school officials confirmed Thursday.

The teacher, who officials declined to name, is accused of "inappropriate touching of students," according to Greencastle Police Chief Tom Sutherlin.

GCSC Superintendent Bob Green classified the allegations as "serious" and said they were brought to the attention of administrators on Tuesday afternoon.

In a statement issued Thursday by the superintendent and Greencastle Middle School Principal Shawn Gobert, the two said:

"In response to student allegations against a Greencastle Middle School teacher, we have placed that teacher on paid administrative leave.

"We are following school policies and procedures relevant to the alleged incidents, while also cooperating with outside authorities. Due to the ongoing investigation, we cannot comment any further at this time."

The statement ends with the signatures of Green and Gobert.

GPD Detective Randy Seipel is handling the investigation along with Child Protective Services. Sutherlin said the teacher has not been interviewed.

Once the investigation is completed, Seipel will turn his report over to the prosecutor's office for review, Chief Sutherlin explained.

It will be up to that office to determine if charges should be filed.