Kristina Hussey’s 14-year-old daughter has attended South Edgecombe Middle School for the past three years.
It’s where Edgecombe County Sheriff investigators claim Stephen Wells, 68, a school custodian and bus driver, sexually handled three female students in the exceptional children’s programme.
“At this point, there is no one you can trust.” When instructors, custodians, or individuals you want to do right by your children do things like this, you just really want to do the home school thing,” Hussey said Friday, hours after learning of the charges against Wells.
According to the sheriff’s office, the 14-year-old kid was assaulted on September 7.
The following day, the principal notified authorities.
When the victim told authorities that there were additional students, investigators located three victims, ages 14, 13, and 12.
According to a district official, Wells was fired on September 11.
“It’s absurd.” It’s completely insane. “We need to do more to protect our babies,” said Jaquella Bradshaw, a newcomer to the neighbourhood.
According to a district representative, the school system is aware of the charges and is fully cooperating with law police.
“It’s definitely hurtful to know that it’s happening under our noses,” he said.
Wells is facing three misdemeanour counts of sexual battery and one felony offence of indecent liberties with a kid.
Cases like these, according to Bradshaw, remind her that parents have more work to do.
“We need to teach these kids what is right and wrong. “And you know what to do when they are vulnerable or uncomfortable,” she added.
Hussey has this conversation with her daughter on a regular basis.
“When they start wanting to talk about personal things and your life and all those type of things and stuff should be left for home and left for family and friends,” she said.
