GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A rowing coach has been jailed on charges after police say he is suspected of recording girls changing inside a building used by the Rockford schools rowing team.
On Friday, the Kent County Sheriff’s Department was contacted by the Rockford Public Schools after a video camera was found that appeared to have video from inside the changing room area at the Rockford Crew House, 5501 Jupiter Ave. in Plainfield Township.
Two videos of females changing their clothes were found on the camera. The camera was found inside an SUV used by the crew, Shibler said.
Police say the Rockford men’s rowing head coach, Timothy Vallier, was responsible for taking the videos by hiding the camera in the changing area. He was arrested and the Kent County Prosecutor’s Office has charged him with child sexually abusive activity, using a computer to commit a crime and child sexually abusive material.
“Stupid, absolutely stupid," Rockford Superintendent Michael Shibler told FOX 17. “He chose to make a very bad decision. I guarantee you if the facts are as just stated, he’s done he is fired. He is over with, his employment is terminated.”
Shibler said the female student who found the camera in the changing room took it home to her mother who immediately called police.
In addition to background checks, the district plans to find more ways to improve thoroughness when vetting potential employees, Shibler told FOX 17. Vallier is currently on unpaid administrative leave from the district and is not allowed back onto school property.
Below is the letter sent by Shibler to Rockford parents over the weekend:
Dear RPS Staff:
I hope you are enjoying your summer. Regretfully, I must inform you of a situation that has happened in our school district.
During the late morning of Friday, July 8, I received a phone call from one of our crew (rowing) parents informing me that a video camera was found in the crew vehicle which contained inappropriate footage. We immediately contacted the Kent County Sheriff’s Department and turned the camera over to detectives within the hour; they began a comprehensive investigation resulting in the arrest of crew coach Tim Vallier Friday evening. Vallier is currently lodged in the Kent County jail on $100,000 bond.
Once I became aware of the video, my first priority was to contact law enforcement in the hopes of identifying and getting the perpetrator off the streets to protect our students. Thanks to the excellent work of detectives, this happened within 12 hours of the district learning about the video. Law enforcement asked that this be kept confidential while they conducted their investigation.
My priority then shifted to ensuring the integrity of the investigation so that justice can be served. On Sunday, as soon as it was appropriate, I notified crew parents by email. I am also meeting with those parents Monday evening.
Regardless of criticisms and misinformation circulating on social media, we acted based on direction from law enforcement and I stand by how we handled this situation and our priorities of 1) getting the alleged perpetrator off the streets and 2) not doing anything to breach the investigation.
My thoughts are with those affected. The fact that this can happen despite all of our safeguards to protect students is extremely troubling. The district will be kept apprised of the judicial and legal processes and I assure you that we will act swiftly and appropriately.
Vallier is currently being held at the Kent County Correctional Facility on $100,000 bond.
"I'm absolutely heartbroken," one Rockford parent wrote on Facebook after receiving the call about the ongoing investigation.
"Words cannot express how upset I am that I had to speak to my daughter about this... We are in shock and feel violated in more ways than we can express."
The Kent County Sheriff’s Department is continuing to investigate the case. Anyone with any information is being asked to contact the Kent County Sheriff’s Department.
FOX 17s Michael Dupre contributed to this report
