UPDATE 3/24/2010) Memphis City School's security officer Antonio Matthews has been charged with Statutory Rape by an Authority Figure. A 16-year-old Mitchell High School student told police she was raped on school property. See the story below for complete details,
tom.powell@wreg.com
(Memphis 3/23/2010) -- The Memphis Police Department is investigating an alleged rape at Mitchell High School. The rape was reported Monday around 4:30 in the afternoon.
A student accuses an MCS security guard of the rape. The guard has been taken into custody, but no charges have been filed.
Students on campus are reacting to the investigation in different ways. "My prayers go out to her (the alleged victim) and her family," says Romero Malone. "I hope they get to the bottom of this."
Many students approached us to talk about the guard who is in police custody. "I just don't see that in his personality," says Demetrius Bradshaw.
"Before they just go around, and start dogging Mitchell High School as a whole, they should wait for the investigation to be over," says Reginald Bell.
The allegations against the MCS security guard come as Superintendent Dr. Kriner Cash is pushing to have an internal school police force. The district says, "The board's legislative agenda is still moving forward despite the arrest."
Here is a statement released by Mitchell High School:
March 23, 2010
Dear Parent/Guardians:
As a partner in your child's education and well-being, I would like to take a moment to share my concern with you regarding an alleged incident that occurred at Mitchell High School this week.
A female student at Mitchell High School has alleged that an employee assigned to our school had inappropriate sexual contact with her. The safety of our students and staff is a top priority for Mitchell High School. Therefore, when we learned of these allegations, we took the appropriate action. My concern then focused on the physical and emotional wellbeing of the student involved.
We are working closely with the Memphis Police Department during their investigation into this matter. Please know that we at Mitchell High School will always do our best to keep our school community safe. Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact the school.
Sincerely,
Howard Smith Principal, Mitchell High School
Cc: Willie Rhodes, Regional Superintendent Dr. Roderick Richmond, Chief of School Operations
- FAST FACTS:
- Student says MCS security guard raped her on campus
- MPD has guard in custody
- He has not been charged
tom.powell@wreg.com
(Memphis 3/23/2010) -- The Memphis Police Department is investigating an alleged rape at Mitchell High School. The rape was reported Monday around 4:30 in the afternoon.
A student accuses an MCS security guard of the rape. The guard has been taken into custody, but no charges have been filed.
Students on campus are reacting to the investigation in different ways. "My prayers go out to her (the alleged victim) and her family," says Romero Malone. "I hope they get to the bottom of this."
Many students approached us to talk about the guard who is in police custody. "I just don't see that in his personality," says Demetrius Bradshaw.
"Before they just go around, and start dogging Mitchell High School as a whole, they should wait for the investigation to be over," says Reginald Bell.
The allegations against the MCS security guard come as Superintendent Dr. Kriner Cash is pushing to have an internal school police force. The district says, "The board's legislative agenda is still moving forward despite the arrest."
Here is a statement released by Mitchell High School:
March 23, 2010
Dear Parent/Guardians:
As a partner in your child's education and well-being, I would like to take a moment to share my concern with you regarding an alleged incident that occurred at Mitchell High School this week.
A female student at Mitchell High School has alleged that an employee assigned to our school had inappropriate sexual contact with her. The safety of our students and staff is a top priority for Mitchell High School. Therefore, when we learned of these allegations, we took the appropriate action. My concern then focused on the physical and emotional wellbeing of the student involved.
We are working closely with the Memphis Police Department during their investigation into this matter. Please know that we at Mitchell High School will always do our best to keep our school community safe. Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact the school.
Sincerely,
Howard Smith Principal, Mitchell High School
Cc: Willie Rhodes, Regional Superintendent Dr. Roderick Richmond, Chief of School Operations
