State agency recommends new investigation of allegations against Warrensburg School Board, Hough
Mar 26, 2008, 08:30
Andrea Bartlow
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| Warrensburg head softball and girls' basketball coach Russ Hough will have to face a new investigation. The state's chief child advocate is asking for a new "fresh and neutral" look at the case. (Photo by David Penner) |
Steve Morrow, chief child advocate for the agency’s office in Jefferson City, sent a letter to the Missouri Department of Social Services March 17, outlining five “areas of concern” regarding the way the investigation was conducted and the accusations against Hough of sexual harassment and improper behavior.
In October of last year, six female students from WHS accused Hough of touching their breasts, exposing himself, verbally harassing them and made other allegations.
Six months later, the investigation conducted by the Missouri Department of Social Services that cleared Hough is being questioned and the six girls and their parents are involved in litigation against the school district and Hough.
In a letter addressed to Celesta Hartgraves, northeast region regional director for the Department of Social Services, Morrow questioned the manner in which the DSS investigator acted. He indicated that on more than one occasion the investigator used language that hinted she or he “had already made certain deductions before the investigation had been completed.”
Morrow also mentioned in the letter that “the location of some of the interviews may have been inconsistent” with the law, which requires the interviews to take place in neutral places. Allegedly, some of the interviews took place on the school grounds.
Ronnie Podolefsky, attorney for the girls and their parents, said she and her clients are encouraged by the OCA’s letter.
“We’re glad the governor’s office is listening; this is very reaffirming to the parents and the children,” Podolefsky said. “This shows a real concern for kids’ safety.”
The school district stands behind the first investigation and supports Hough’s innocence.
Whether Morrow’s letter will prompt a new investigation by Social Services is uncertain and the agency has not confirmed or denied any reaction, only that it is taking the matter into consideration.
Morrow also recommends a “fresh investigation,” as well as a hotline report for the case and that it be conducted in a county other than Johnson or Henry counties.
