http://www.kctv5.com/story/16599940/prosecutor-teacher-molested-four-students?utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeedProsecutor: Former Teacher of the Year molested four studentsBy Laura McCallister, Multimedia Producer
By Sandra Olivas, Reporter
By DeAnn Smith, Digital Content Manager
January 25, 2012
GRAIN VALLEY, MO (KCTV) -
A Grain Valley teacher allegedly molested four students during classes and authorities fear more victims have yet to come forward.
Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker announced Wednesday that a Grain Valley School District teacher has been charged with child molestation and sodomy of young boys at a school.
A release from Baker's office said Matthew J. Nelson, 33, of Grain Valley faces charges of first-degree child molestation and three felony counts of first-degree statutory sodomy.Nelson, a second-grade teacher at Prairie Branch Elementary School, turned himself into Grain Valley police while accompanied by his attorney Wednesday morning. He visibly choked up and became emotional as he was led outside the Grain Valley Police Department before his arraignment.
He has been a Grain Valley school teacher for 10 years.
He is now jailed on a $250,000 cash only bond.
Parents of four different children notified the Grain Valley Police Department that their sons, ages 7 to 9, had reported inappropriate touching by Nelson in his classroom, according to court documents. The boys reported Nelson touched their genitalia through clothing or directly to skin during classroom hours, including during movie times and reading periods.
A forensic interview of the first victim to report verified that the teacher had rubbed the boy in a private area that was inappropriate.Grain Valley Police Chief Aaron Ambrose said police are very concerned there could be more victims who haven't come forward yet. He is urging parents to talk to their children.
"The main message is that we think there could possibly be potential other victims out there and, if there are, we encourage them to come forward," said Ambrose.
"That's a big concern with us and we're not sure where this could lead to and that's exactly why we want to get that message out there that we encourage people to come forward if they know anything, whether it's the parents or the kids themselves," said the police chief when KCTV5's
Sandra Olivas asked him how concerning is it that Nelson had contact not just with school children, but through coaching.Ambrose said that, so far, they've spoke with four to five victims, both girls and boys.
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Grain Valley officials placed Nelson on administrative lave after receiving the first report Jan. 9. The police department and state social workers were notified the same day, the district said.
When the issues surrounding Nelson broke last week, the district said putting him on administrative leave wasn't a sign of guilt or blame but just following the process established by state law.
"We recognize that in the absence of more information some will try to 'fill in the blanks.' We implore you to avoid doing so to protect the privacy of all parties involved," said a portion of the letter sent out from Grain Valley administrators to all staff members Tuesday.
In a letter to parents, district officials said they are fully cooperating with the authorities, but to realize that the criminal process will take some time.
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KCTV5 previously reported that Nelson was the Missouri Teacher of the year for 2007 however, the honor he received was a teacher of the year award from The Walmart Foundation.
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http://www.practicenotes.org/vol8_no1/what_is.htmWhat Is Forensic Interviewing?