A former assistant principal at a high school within the Clark County School District (CCSD) in Las Vegas is facing serious charges related to sexual misconduct involving a student. The allegations suggest that the ex-assistant principal paid the student to engage in inappropriate physical contact, specifically touching the student’s genitals on multiple occasions. This disturbing incident came to light when the Clark County School District Police Department received a report of possible misconduct at Canyon Springs High School.
According to reports, an administrative assistant at the school noticed the student frequently visiting the assistant principal, identified as Hearley Smith, over several months starting in October of the previous year. The assistant principal, who had been with CCSD since 2004, allegedly closed his office door during private meetings with the student, raising suspicions. The situation escalated when the administrative assistant witnessed a concerning incident through the partially opened door of Smith’s office, where she saw the student hastily adjusting his clothing in the presence of Smith.
The victim, a teenager who considered Smith a close friend, disclosed to authorities that he had been manipulated into these encounters. He described a pattern where Smith would touch him inappropriately while in the school office, with the door closed during these incidents. The victim’s family also raised concerns about Smith’s behavior, noting his excessive involvement with the student, including driving him home and giving him gifts. These actions, along with irregularities in the student’s attendance records allegedly orchestrated by Smith, further compounded the gravity of the situation.
Following an investigation, Smith resigned from his position at the school and was subsequently arrested at the airport while attempting to leave the country. He denied any malicious intent, attributing the accusations to a misunderstanding and implying a conspiracy against him. However, court records reveal that Smith is facing multiple charges, including kidnapping and engaging in lewd acts with a student.
The victim, in a follow-up interview with the police, clarified that his interactions with Smith were not consensual and described feeling uncomfortable during these encounters. Despite receiving monetary compensation from Smith, the victim expressed distress over the events, emphasizing that the encounters took place solely within the school premises.
This distressing case underscores the importance of safeguarding students against abuse of power and exploitation within educational institutions. It serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilant monitoring and swift action to address any signs of inappropriate behavior, ensuring a safe and secure learning environment for all students. The legal proceedings against Smith are ongoing, with the next court appearance scheduled to further address the allegations of misconduct.
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