Bibb School Superintendent Didn’t Know Campus Police Were Handling Rape Investigation
In a news conference this afternoon, Bibb County School Superintendent Dr. Romain Dallemand said he didn’t know until yesterday that Bibb County Campus Police were in charge of the rape investigation at Northeast High School.
He said he has instructed the campus police department to turn the case over to Macon Police, as of Monday.
During the news conference, Dallemand also apologized for not addressing parents and the community sooner about the incident. He blamed gaps in communication for the delay and for not being aware of what exactly was happening with the investigation.
He would not comment on what personnel changes have occurred as a result of the incident, other than saying it was being handled appropriately and that Northeast High School now has an additional campus police officer.
The alleged rape of a 16 year old student happened on school grounds on January 19th between 1:00 p.m. and 3 p.m. The Bibb County School District did not release any information about the alleged rape until 5 days later. 18 year old Antonio Jackson and 17 year old Greg Watkins were arrested on Monday, January 23rd. 17 year olds Jimmie McKnight and Ashley Clark were arrested on Tuesday, January 24th.
Prior to today’s news conference, 41 NBC had been pressing school leaders to offer some response to the incident. 41 NBC’s Brittany Gonzalez waited at the school board offices for two hours on Friday for a response. At that time, she was told: No one was available. Superintendent Dr. Romain Dallemand, along with Deputy Superintendents Jane Drennan and Susanne Griffin-Ziebart where in Atlanta for a meeting. Deputy Superintendent Edward Judie was in meetings. His assistant told us he was too busy. Spokesperson for the school system, Alisha Allen-Carter did not return any of our phone calls and was not in her office that afternoon. Interim Campus Police Chief Stephanie Pratter also did not return any calls. On Monday, 41 NBC’s Brittany Gonzalez returned to school board offices and the campus police department offices and was again denied access to top officials when asked for someone to respond.
Even today, the superintendent limited each news outlet to two questions each and abruptly ended the news conference as reporters continued to ask questions.
41 NBC has learned tonight parts of the alleged rape may have been caught on tape. Director of Risk Management for Bibb County Schools, David Gowan, says the school has 124 cameras on campus and believes there may be a camera near the boys restroom where the alleged incident happened.
Gowan also tells 41 NBC he was not included in the investigation until yesterday.
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