Crime & Safety
Wilde Lake Principal Responds to Student Arrest News
The principal at a Columbia school where police said a rape occurred sent a note to the school community Wednesday.
Wilde Lake High principal James LeMon wrote that the school proactively addressed general concerns and provided individual support the day after police said a student was raped by another student inside the high school.
"Although this experience has been difficult for all involved," he wrote in a letter to the school community Wednesday, "it is important for me to communicate the genuine pride and admiration I hold for the amazingly dedicated staff and the wonderful student body at Wilde Lake High School."
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"The news of a student arrest yesterday has deeply impacted our Wilde Lake High School community," he wrote.
He wrote that as soon as he was notified by police of the alleged incident, he collaborated with police and central office staff to support the investigation. He said he wasn't able to comment until charges were filed, but once they were, he notified the school community about the incident.
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He added that Wednesday teachers were given an "appropriate statement" to share with students that allowed students to discuss feelings, people they can talk to at home or at school about those feeling and how the school can maintain everyday safety.
He said students were responding with curiosity and maturity.
"As I walked throughout the school today, it was clear that students were not only engaged in productive discussions with teachers regarding the incident, but they also displayed enthusiasm, interest, and a strong work ethic during their academic day," wrote LeMon.
Police said the alleged rape occurred on Monday inside a choir room in the school. DeShawn Rasheed Jones, 17, was charged with second-degree rape, second-degree assault and false imprisonment. He is currently being held on $500,000 bond.
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