Child Molested At School?

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By Kimberly Curth Weekend Anchor / Reporter

M50o93H7pQ09L8X1t49cHY01Z5j4TT91fGfr Child Molested At School?

Published: Mon, March 31, 2008 - 5:36 pm

Kimberly Curth

A father claims his 7-year-old Autistic son was molested at school. Paul Merrell says his little boy was molested last Thursday by two other boys in an Allentown Elementary School bathroom in Semmes. He contacted News 5 for help because he says the situation could have been prevented. Merrell claims it would not have happened if the school had provided his son with an aide. Something, he claims he asked for repeatedly. Merrell says he's even given Allentown doctor's notes that say his son needs an aide at school. Merrell says his son has been traumatized by what happened, "my wife just grabbed him up and hugged him and says you're not in trouble, you know, what's wrong? She told, he told her that, that two little boys got him in the bathroom and they made him do things to them that I really don't want to say on the air," said Merrell. We talked with the school's principal about the allegations, "everything that we know of is being investigated. Again, the claims that you're sharing with me we have not spoken to the parents to know that those are their concerns. An incident did occur on Thursday that we are investigating. I cannot specifically say that that is the incident because again when I talked with you today that was the first that I am hearing of that claim," said Allentown Elementary School Principal, Ashtiny Cleveland. Merrell says he called Mobile Police and filed a report about what allegedly happened at Allentown Elementary School. We contacted Mobile Police about the case. They tell us they are investigating the allegations but no charges have been filed.

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I absolutely agree satmobile. I have had 3 children go to Allentown, a fourth to start this fall. There is no better school in Mobile! Look at the overwhelming growth in this area, and it is because of our schools. I think Allentown does a wonderful job of supervising and protecting the kids. It has always been for the kids and about the kids, and very active with parent involvement. We were one of the “originals,” so I absolutely know what a great place it is.

My question is this-how old are the other two alleged students and why would an elementary kid even know to do “molesting” acts? Also, if the “alleged” victim is so severely incapacitated that he requires an aide, why did the parents sign off on the IEP? Why have this child in a mainstream classroom (I’m assuming on that one), if he is unable to function without supervision?

Posted by rmseek1234 on 03/31/08 - 7:14 pm • Report Abuse

I wish that the news media would allow for further investigations before airing stories such as this. You are giving a great school a black eye all because of this parent’s “claim” as you put it. A that’s just what it is...a claim. While I am all for protecting our children, I just feel that this story was unnecessary.

Posted by satmobile on 03/31/08 - 6:59 pm • Report Abuse