William Terry.Photo: Marshalltown High School
For the second time this month, an Iowa school district is reeling from the death of a former school employee who authorities say killed themselves in the face of alleged sexual misconduct involving a student.
On Thursday, a former high school administrator under investigation died in his basement from what police described as a self-inflicted gunshot as officers attempted to serve search and arrest warrants on his home.
The incident followed a July 6 report to Marshalltown police alleging “potential sexual exploitation and inappropriate sexual contact between a former school employee and former student,” police said in anews release.
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The alleged misconduct is the third instance reported within the district in the past two months.
It could not be determined if Esquivel has entered a plea or has an attorney to speak on his behalf.
Police have made no statements to indicate if any of the allegations are connected.
Ames police said that according to their own investigation, Marshalltown officers approached the former staff member’s home around 11:30 a.m. Thursday.
Officers attempting to serve a search warrant and arrest warrants had entered the home when they heard a gunshot from inside the residence, police said.
“Officers found a deceased adult male in the basement of the residence,” said Marshalltown police. “Preliminary investigative results indicate the male shot himself. Nobody else present was injured. No police officers discharged their weapons.”
In the statement following the most recent incident, the school superintendent said, “Student safety is the number one priority for the Marshalltown CSD, and any accusation of a crime which may impact student safety is taken very seriously.”
It added: “The Marshalltown CSD took swift action to address recent allegations of misconduct against former employees and will continue to cooperate fully with the MPD. As a result of the allegations, the district is reviewing all existing selection and hiring processes. The district will also be providing additional training on staff ethics and responsibilities, and is reviewing the curriculum to ensure all students are informed about reporting – and empowered to seek help – if a concerning situation arises.”
The statement continued: “Additionally, the Marshalltown CSD is teaming up with community partners to continue strengthening our existing policies, practices, and procedures to ensure the highest level of protection for students. These and any additional steps are critical to providing a safe, enriching learning environment for Bobcat students.”
Police say their investigation into the allegations is continuing.
source: people.com
