The Leake County School District has confirmed that one of its employees is facing a child sex crime charge.
Superintendent Will Russell did not identify the employee or the individual’s role within the district but confirmed that a district employee had been charged with grooming of a child. A source told SuperTalk Mississippi News that the recent arrest of Sammie McLaurin in Lamar County is believed to be the case in question, though officials have not confirmed that McLaurin is the employee referenced by the district.
McLaurin is listed as a director with the Leake County School District’s Office of School Nutrition. Lamar County Sheriff Danny Rigel and Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch announced McLaurin’s arrest on July 2 and charged him with grooming of a child as part of the state’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
Russell did not specify what action was taken in light of the arrest, but asserted that the district followed all protocols in accordance with its policy and state law.
“The safety and well-being of our students remain our highest priority. Upon learning of the arrest, the district immediately initiated appropriate personnel actions in accordance with district policy and applicable law,” Russell said. “Because this is an active legal matter and a personnel issue, we are limited in what we can publicly discuss.”
Russell added that the district will continue to monitor the situation as the legal process moves forward. He further told parents that he and other administrators will remain focused on keeping students safe and protected from bad actors.
“We understand that this news is concerning for our students, families, staff, and community,” Russell said. “We remain committed to maintaining a safe learning environment and appreciate the public’s understanding as we allow the legal process to proceed.”
As for McLaurin, specifics have not been released regarding the nature of the crime he is accused of committing. He was given a bond of $25,000.
