CEDAR SPRINGS, Mich. — A Cedar Springs Public Schools (CSPS) employee is in custody for allegedly soliciting explicit photos from teenagers.
The suspect, a 20-year-old from Rockford, was arrested Monday afternoon on charges of sexually abuse activity toward children and using a computer to commit a crime, according to the Kent County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO).
We’re told the school resource officer was told CSPS’s auditorium technician might have had illicit photos of students, prompting an investigation by KCSO and CSPS.
Deputies say the suspect made fake social media accounts and paid female students for explicit photos.
Superintendent Scott B. Smith released the following letter to families:
Good afternoon Cedar Springs families,
Today, we were notified of the arrest of a former district employee for charges of child sexually abusive activity and using a computer to commit a crime.
A Cedar Springs High School student notified an administrator that they had received a message from a recent Cedar Springs graduate that made them uncomfortable. The person who sent the message was a part-time Auditorium Technician with the district.
Upon conducting an initial investigation with our School Resource Officer, the employee was placed on administrative leave. Kent County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) worked alongside the district throughout our investigation. The employee in question was terminated, while the Sheriff’s office continued their investigation. As this is an ongoing criminal matter, any additional information will be released by the Kent County Sheriff’s Office.
The safety and well-being of our students is our top priority. Prior to employment, all applicants are vetted through a rigorous process of background checks and reviews. Continuous training and attention to student safety and well-being is an ongoing focus in our district.
If you are a victim or become aware of suspicious activity, a sexual crime, or a threat of violence against an individual or community, contact local law enforcement or call 9-1-1. Non-emergency tips can be submitted in the following ways:If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me at 616-696-1204, ext. 1001.
- Call: 8-555-OK2SAY, (855-565-2729)
- Text: 652729 (OK2SAY)
With respect,
Scott B. Smith, Superintendent
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