News Summary
Four employees from Fayette County Public Schools have been arrested on serious criminal charges, including DUI, child abuse, and possession of child pornography. The charged individuals, including a teacher and a dean of students, have raised concerns among parents about child safety within the school system. Each employee has been released on bond as investigations continue, prompting scrutiny of the district’s policies on employee conduct and child safety.
Lexington, Kentucky – Four employees from Fayette County Public Schools (FCPS) have been arrested on multiple criminal charges, stirring concerns among parents and the community about the safety of children within the school system. The accused individuals include a teacher, a dean of students, a mental health specialist, and a paraeducator, each facing serious allegations that range from DUI to child abuse and possession of child pornography.
Jaime Caldwell, a teacher at Glendover Elementary School, has been charged with aggravated operating a motor vehicle under the influence and leaving the scene of an accident after reportedly hitting a man with her car, who later died from his injuries. Authorities indicated that Caldwell’s blood alcohol concentration was 0.278 at the time of her arrest, which is more than three times the legal limit. Police found her at the school, where her vehicle displayed visible damage related to the incident. In a recent court appearance, Caldwell pleaded not guilty to the charges against her.
John Bordas, dean of students at Bryan Station High School, is facing charges of wanton endangerment. He allegedly followed another driver home and pointed a gun at them, raising alarm about his conduct both inside and outside the school environment. Bordas has a past that includes multiple complaints and a 2023 incident involving inappropriate behavior with a colleague during school hours.
Another employee, Theodrick Hersey, a mental health specialist, faces multiple child abuse charges tied to two daycare facilities he owned in Madison County. Prosecutors allege that Hersey failed to report instances of child abuse, including claims of strangulation and potential sexual abuse at his daycares. Investigators uncovered discussions suggesting he and others attempted to hide a child’s escape from the daycare, raising further red flags about the care provided there.
William Adam Lyle, a paraeducator at Northern Elementary School, has been charged with six counts of possession of child pornography. At this time, there are no known victims associated with the district in connection with his charges, but community members remain apprehensive about potential implications for student safety.
In light of these recent allegations, parent Norma Justice expressed her worries about the welfare of children within the school district, reflecting concerns that there exists a culture of fear regarding retaliation for reporting misconduct. FCPS has stated they are not aware of any children being victimized related to the allegations, and a spokesperson emphasized the district’s commitment to ensuring a safe environment for both students and staff members.
Each of the arrested employees was booked and subsequently released on bond while further investigations are expected to proceed. The school district is facing an intense scrutiny that may lead to revisiting policies related to employee conduct and child safety. This troubling series of incidents not only poses legal challenges for those involved but also affects the broader community’s trust in the educational system tasked with ensuring the well-being of its students.
As investigations continue, parents and guardians are left to grapple with the implications of these events, raising questions about the support structures in place to protect children in FCPS facilities.
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Additional Resources
- WKYT: FCPS Employees Face Criminal Charges
- Kentucky.com: Arrests in Fayette County Schools
- Law & Crime: Drunk Teacher Hits Pedestrian
- Kentucky.com: Dean Facing Criminal Charges
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Child Safety
- Google Search: School Employee Conduct
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
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