ROSS COUNTY, Ohio — While the sexual assault of a 6-year-old girl has a lot of parents asking a local school district why there hasn’t been a call or message about the allegations, at least one local elected official said his office is taking the Union-Scioto matter very seriously.
“Allegations of sexual assault against vulnerable children are always matters of great concern, and the investigation into the same must be done as quickly as possible, but also thoroughly at the same time,” said Ross County Prosecutor Jeff Marks. “These particular allegations are being actively and thoroughly investigated by the Detective Division of the Ross County Sheriff’s Office. This investigation is being handled as quickly as is practicable. The Sheriff’s Office is keeping my office updated as additional information is gathered.”
It was on Tuesday when the community learned through the news that a 6-year-old girl had been molested while riding a Union-Scioto School District school bus by an 18-year-old student.
The allegations were a bombshell for a small school district, where many parents said they had not been notified of the incident, which occurred three weeks ago.
The Guardian reported the information on Tuesday when a police report was released by the Sheriff’s office. According to the report, on August 31, the young girl told her school bus driver that a “big kid” put his hand down her pants and refused to stop when she told him to do so. After reviewing the bus’ security camera video, officials said the entire incident was caught on camera “multiple times.”
A second alleged sexual assault involving the school surfaced on Wednesday involving two teenagers at an after-school function. In that case, a teen girl alleges a boy cornered her against a barrier and touched her multiple times.
Many parents were upset with the school district on Wednesday, after learning of the assaults through the local news. According to many parents, no phone calls, letters, or messages have left them wondering, “did the assault occur on my child’s bus?
“Time to make some noise and ask some questions,” said parent Jackie Cooper. “Call the Superintendent, email them, attend a board meeting. Do not sit back and allow this to be swept under the rug.”
Multiple calls have been left with Union-Scioto Superintendent Matt Thornsberry by the Guardian seeking comment for this story.
If you or a loved one has been the victim of sexual assault, free help is available. When you call 800.656.HOPE (4673), you’ll be routed to a local sexual assault service provider in your area.