The principal of Leonard High School in Texas has been arrested after police investigating a student’s death accused him of failing to report allegations of misconduct involving a teacher.
Jansen Trotter, who took up the post in July, was detained by Leonard Police on Tuesday 27 October and charged with failure to report employee misconduct. He was being held at Fannin County Jail, with bail yet to be set.
Leonard Independent School District has placed him on administrative leave pending the investigation.
Investigation uncovered recording of conversation
Police said the case emerged during inquiries into the death of a Leonard High School student earlier this month. Investigators discovered an audio recording of a conversation between the student and Mr Trotter.
On the recording, the student allegedly raised claims that a teacher had behaved improperly towards several female pupils. Police said Mr Trotter initially denied knowing about the conversation when questioned by investigator Billy Ivy, before being told that officers had found the recording.
Mr Ivy said the principal had been aware of the allegations but failed to report or investigate them, which police say formed the basis of the charge.
“He did know about it. Failed to report it. Failed to investigate it which constituted the offense that he was charged with,” Mr Ivy told local television station FOX 4.
The identity of the teacher accused of misconduct has not been released. Police have also said they have found no evidence that the student’s death was caused by the allegations or by any failure to report them.
Terri Bush, whose granddaughter attends Leonard High School but who is not connected to the investigation, said she was shocked by the arrest.
“I think it was wrong of him not to do anything about it,” she said. “I’m just glad they’re looking into it and getting something done.”
The Leonard Police Department said it was committed to handling the case with “professionalism, integrity, and transparency” while respecting the legal process.
Mr Trotter was expected to appear before a magistrate on Wednesday 28 October, when his bail was due to be considered. Police said their investigations into the student’s death and the alleged misconduct claims remain ongoing.
