Police investigating sexual battery, indecent exposure at CMS

Police were summoned to Commerce Middle School last week on consecutive days to investigate allegations of sexual battery and indecent exposure.

Police investigating sexual battery, indecent exposure at CMS

Posted by

Mark Beardsley

in Public Safety

Wednesday, March 18. 2009

Comments (39)

The Commerce Police Department is investigating cases of sexual battery and public indecency and indecent exposure at Commerce Middle School.

On Tuesday, March 10, a male student allegedly forced his hands between the legs of a female student, “making contact with her genital area,” according to the incident report.

The next day, a teacher told police that she had a report from three students that a white male student exposed himself in a classroom.

Principal Chuck Bell said the same student was involved in both incidents, but officials did not know about the first incident until after the second was reported.

“As we investigated a (indecent exposure) complaint, then it came to be known that the prior day something else had taken place that likewise deserved our complete and total attention,” he said.

“The student is no longer attending our school and will not under any circumstances return to our school,” Bell added.

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#1 Greg on 03/19/09 at 11:39 AM [Reply]

Its sounds like the parents should be held responsible because if he had discipline in his life he would know better than doing stuff like this. When I was that age if I did something like this I would been more afraid of what my teachers and parents would have done to me. Kids this days have no fear of anybody because all the rights of parents and teachers have been taken away and its time for a change to show these kids who are really in charge. I do not believe in being mean to kids at all but I believe if they do something wrong they should have a good old fashion whipping it didn't hurt any of us when we were young.

#2 stern parent on 03/19/09 at 03:04 PM [Reply]

careful....... i did exactly what you said and was jailed for it and will have to face a judge for it and maybe get jail time

#2.1 Greg on 03/19/09 at 04:34 PM [Reply]

Thats what I'm talking about all the rights of parents
have been taken away and just so everyone knows
I'm not talking about beating your child just a good
whipping and that never hurt anybody. To me it sounds like
the goverment needs to worry about the goverment and
keep there noses out of our lives and let
the parents worry about there kids.

#3 stern parent on 03/20/09 at 07:36 AM [Reply]

yep thats right i used a belt on a 14y/o it left welts on his rearend and boom i'm the bad guy !!

#4 Joe Christmas on 03/20/09 at 03:21 PM [Reply]

Yes you are a bad guy and you are also an idiot for braging about child abuse.

#4.1 loving parent on 03/20/09 at 04:48 PM [Reply]

#3 is not braging about abuse. I believe parents should
discipline their kids and it is a shame that others will
judge you for it. Then those same ones who judge you for it
will also judge you when your child does something wrong.
Parents can't win when it comes to discipline.

#4.1.1 Stacey on 03/21/09 at 07:58 AM [Reply]

Sexual battery is a lot different than just misbehaving at
school. I have children that go to that school and I a huge problem with anyone putting their hands on my
child's private areas. I am glad to see the child has
been removed and not allowed back. That is the issue!

#4.1.2 Vicki on 08/23/09 at 06:35 PM [Reply]

You are so right. But yet two cops today 8/23
pulled it to Dairy Queen in Commerce Scared a
small 9 year old girl to death cause she spit gum on the
ground, when she got out of a car. Cops can't stop Drugs
but will pick on small children.
AND NO I SAW IT I DID NOT KNOW THE CHILD.

#4.2 parent on 03/20/09 at 06:29 PM [Reply]

Proverbs 13:24 says "He that spareth his rod hateth his son" KJV

#4.2.1 Parent not Prison guard of my child on 03/22/09 at 08:04 PM [Reply]

You are totally wrong if you think the "rod" has anything to do with physical discipline. It in FACT refers to guiding a child in life. In FACT a sheep herder NEVER smacks, whoops, slaps, nor in any way physically harms a sheep. Simple animal nature, if the sheep see the rod as something to hurt them, then every time the shepherd raises it the sheep would run. If the sheep ran, the herder had to chase them. SO, if God was trying to justify spanking your child, as you seem to be saying, he would have used an ENTIRELY different reference. Unlike you, God is pretty smart.

#4.2.1.1 Anonymous on 03/23/09 at 09:12 AM [Reply]

I'm curious how you know the "true" meaning of rod. Are you a Hebrew scholar, or are you just hoping nobody calls you on your complete misunderstanding.

#4.2.1.1.1 Parent not Prison guard of my child on 03/23/09 at 03:20 PM [Reply]

King Solomon wrote Proverbs, his father was King David (a shepherd) Sheep were the primary source of meat and wool during the time of King Solomon. There are several other Hebrew words for instruments of punishment during that time period. If he were referring to spanking he would have used one of those words. Instead he used the word EXCLUSIVELY used to describe the stick used by shepherds. The "rod" King Solomon refers to is a shabat. You dont need to be a Hebrew scholar to understand sheep herding.

www.faithtrustinstitute.org/downloads/the_rod_of_guidance.pdf

www.stophitting.com/index.php?page=faithmaterial

www.stuffchristianculturelikes.com/2008/10/49-spanking.html

www.presbyterian.org.nz/569.0.html

mcc.org/us/womensadvocacy/Biblical%20Teachings%20for%20STEP%20curriculum.pdf

Not knowing your particular domination I give several references from several denominational points of view.

And my own personal view, from 18 years as a mother. If your child is acting in a manner you think needs a spanking to correct, you lost control of that child LONG before that. You use spanking to compensate for you own incompetence as a parent.

#4.2.1.1.1.1 Not so Fast on 03/23/09 at 04:18 PM [Reply]

Nice try, but I'm afraid your personal views are interfering with your ability to objectively and properly interpret the scripture.

The Hebrew word for rod, shabat, has multiple meanings, one of which is an instrument of punishment. According to Strong's concordance (Hebrew word 7626), the primary definition is literally a stick for punishing. This looks like the proper word choice to me. I'm also curious in your attempts to explain away Proverbs 23:13-14. It was referenced in one of the above articles, but there was no substance addressing it. Just a bunch of baseless fluff.

I understand your personal view on the subject, but I'm going with the Biblical view of the subject.

#4.2.1.1.2 Anonymous on 03/28/09 at 02:33 PM [Reply]

In reference to the Commerce Middle School investigation, I myself personally know this young man. He is quite respectful and very well mannered, not to mention he comes from a well rounded family. Just like in a trial a person is innocent until proven guilty, this young man was not proven guilty these were total allegations. In addition to the comment left about him being somewhat “mentally challenged”, again, this is obviously a wrong allegation. This young man is a straight “A” student, he also has had perfect attendance. Multiple praises have been brought to this young man and his family from teachers, other parents and many coaches about his respect and manners. In my personal opinion, I strongly believe that many of you who are leaving your opinions honestly have no clue on the actual investigation itself and are basically relying on small town gossip!! Have any of you played the gossip game?? If so you would know that things can and will be added to the story beyond the actual truth to gain the attention of others. As I have thoroughly read each and every posted opinion, the only thing that can come to mind regarding this is that if something like this would be weighing on you and your family that the public would allow you to cope with this in the privacy of your home and not the eye of the public.

#4.2.1.2 parent on 03/23/09 at 10:13 AM [Reply]

i didn't say use a rod to smack a child. i put the reference there to show we are to discipline our children. Like the sheperd, you have to keep them close to you and keep up with what is going on with your child. If a child is let to do what he/she wants then don't be suprised when they start acting out. the sheperd using the staff as a guide. Parents are to guide their children with discipline.

#4.2.1.3 i read your websites on 03/24/09 at 09:52 AM [Reply]

Proverbs 23:13-14 (King James Version)
13Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die.
14Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell.

Proverbs 29:15
"The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame."

#4.2.1.3.1 Anonymous on 03/24/09 at 11:03 AM [Reply]

I haven't seen a response from this mother yet.

#4.2.1.3.1.1 Parent not Prison guard of my child on 03/24/09 at 01:00 PM [Reply]

The word "rod" has multiple meanings, one of which is instrument of punishment. Shabat does NOT have a meaning which is instrument of punishment. I am not going to debate Jewish law because I am a Christian. Old Testament law and its 10 commandments are for Jews, I am Christian and I only have 3 commandments. My comment was strictly related to the above person using an Old Testament scripture out of context and I commented on it. I am not going to debate child abuse and the biblical references to it here. That particular scripture does not condone child abuse, but there are SEVERAL in the Old Testament that could easily be construed to mean beating your child is perfectly acceptable. But as I stated above, I am a Christian and again, Jewish laws means nothing to me.
{opinion} Anyone who thinks there is EVER a time when physically man-handling your child is the BEST solution to ANY problem, in my opinion, is a bad parent. To say that there are times when a child "needs" a spanking is to say, I am a parent who waits until my child is out of control to do anything about it.

#4.2.1.3.1.1.1 stern parent on 03/24/09 at 01:39 PM [Reply]

thank you for your comment i think i was the one who started all this back and forth dialog in my comment i clearly stated that when all else failed thats when i used a belt on the rearend of my child i respect your opinion and understand it thanks again !

#4.2.1.3.1.1.2 Not so fast on 03/24/09 at 04:21 PM [Reply]

Sorry, but your argument from the Christian approach still does not hold water. First of all, according to Matthew 5:17-19, Jewish law still does matter and, secondly, what is the third commandment you are referring to? I seem to only be able to count two.

I am not in any way endorsing child abuse, but your opinion is not Biblical and subsequently should not be portrayed as the Christian approach to discipline. Also, this may not be an appropriate comment, but I would be curious how your opinion of your child's behavior differs from others who have observed your child. Typically the parents who don't spank will have children who act one way around their parents and another way around everyone else. The children will be playing the parents like a prize fiddle.

#4.2.1.3.1.1.3 Anonymous on 03/24/09 at 04:56 PM [Reply]

I am a Christian. I love my children very much and they have been times when a spanking is needed. I believe there is a difference between a spanking and beating a child. After the spankings i set down with them to explain the actions they took and the actions they need to take.
The boy in this article took the wrong actions and should pay the price for it. Time out will not cut it. Grounding doesn't seem like enough. I would like to know how the parents are handling this child. Before this and after this happen.

#4.2.1.3.1.1.3.1 teen disgusted by adults on 03/28/09 at 09:19 AM [Reply]

If you guys are oh so concerned with what the real meaning of that piece of scripture that started your whole arguement, why don't you go talk to a preacher. That would only make sense in my opinion. This is supposed to be about a little boy, not a battle of opinions of some higher power's meaning of a small piece of scripture. Has anyone even thought that maybe the boy has seen this happen before and thought it was ok. Maybe he didn't know it was wrong. Who knows, he could even be slightly mentally challenged but the parents and teachers not know yet. There are so more reasons concerning why this happened. God's meaning of discipline is so not the only reason I can come up with.

#4.2.1.3.1.1.4 Kay on 04/30/09 at 03:26 PM [Reply]

Regarding the comment about- 'old testament laws being for Jews', and not for Christians and such-

Matthew 5:17-19(KJV) – (17) Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. (18) For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. (19) Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

#4.3 parent of 3 on 08/09/09 at 03:38 PM [Reply]

Spanking is not child abuse you idiot. I was explained what I did wrong then had to go pick my own hickory stick as a child and knew not to do it again,you learn with everything you do wrong there will be a price to pay,just like in the real world. Teach them now and they will understand when they are grown. We are given our children by God to love,protect,and teach them right from wrong. There is a BIG difference in beating and spanking your children.I was never beaten but I was spanked and I knew whatever I had done I better not ever do it again and carried within myself when I became an adult and have never been in trouble a day in my adult life.(Thanks,MOM)Spankings are necessary!!!!!Not beatings.

#5 stern parent on 03/20/09 at 03:40 PM [Reply]

i was not braging nor did i like to do it but it is sometimes needed!when all else fails

#6 stern parent on 03/24/09 at 10:46 AM [Reply]

well if i would have used a rod then they would have put me uder the jail FYI; my kid was getting into a lot of trouble and was suspended many times from school but nowthe teenager is doing great after the belt (aka rod ) i say thanks to those who are backing me up on this and ha to those who are not !

#7 Anonymous on 03/26/09 at 08:36 AM [Reply]

My concerns are not about all the talk about what type of punishment , but what type of male rolemodle dose this young man have in his life. not one of you have taken into that this child may be in a very diffacult situation at home and has no one to help him understand the consaquines of his actions. I am going to pray for the child and his family.

#7.1 stern parent on 03/26/09 at 09:44 AM [Reply]

i understand your concerns and have pondered that myself. but understand this as well teenage boys have alot of hormones and peer pressure and have been known to do very stupid things and should be held accountable for the actions they choose to make. if the boy is in a bad situation at home then he should speak up and say so. but i know who he is and can tell you that he is not in that type of enviorment he just did a stupid thing and will have to pay the price.. but prayer would be great for both him and his family i'm sure that the parents are embaressed by this whole mess!

#7.1.1 Commerce Tiger on 03/30/09 at 02:13 PM [Reply]

While this thread made a wide turn to punishment, I'll give my opinion. Spanking a child does not mean the parent has lost control or is a bad parent. That is the whole problem with our country today. Too much government!

Alot of our problems started back when PRAYER was removed from schools. More problems developed when teachers/principals could not punish students anymore. Prisons used to have the chain gang, now they have libraries and other luxuries. I could go on and on, but you hopefully get the point that when America quit turning to GOD, the problems started.

I am thankful that my parents were hard on me. If I got out of line(which didn't happen too often), I got my butt whipped. If my parents weren't around, they found out before I got home. If I got out of line in school, the teacher or principal whipped my butt. Then they called my parents.

Anyone ever heard of RESPECT??? People don't respect others now days. People don't care about other people like they did when I grew up. It's sad to say, but America is making a beeline straight for HELL!!! I just hope everyone wakes up one day and turns back to GOD!

So, "stern parent", Stand up for what you believe in. While I do not condone child abuse, I do believe that whipping a child does not constitute a crime. If it were back then; I guess my Parents, Teachers, Principals, and others would still be in jail today.

#8, your right! I do not know all the details of this matter. I just wanted to express my disbelief that some of the above think that spanking or whipping a child, is child abuse. It also looks like Joe Christmas and the "Parent not prison guard" are the idiots here.

#7.1.1.1 stern parent on 03/30/09 at 05:41 PM [Reply]

thank you!!!! remember if you are summons to jury duty that i may be the one thats facing trial for keeping the kid in line thanks again !

#7.1.1.1.1 Knows the truth! on 08/10/09 at 11:35 AM [Reply]

Leaving welps on any part of a childs body reguardless of age and what they have done, is wrong! I myself have 2 children. One almost a teenage and the other in primary school. Neither of them have ever recieved more than "a pop" on the had or bottom their entire life's. And I am proud to say that both even at the hormonal age of becoming a young teenage lady and a very spoilt momma's boy..they are both very well behaved, do wonderful in school and in sports, are VERY respectful with their actions and words to everyone and know right from wrong. Time-out when young and taking privileges and things they love to play with, has worked with the both of them. Proving therefore a good parent knows alternatives to "hurting" a child physically through disipline. Yes it hurts their feelings when they don't get to attend a sleep-over, birthday party, getting to go to a place such as Chucky Cheese, etc, or having their game systems taken away and so forth...but it works and they NEVER are physically hurt. As adults we do things wrong everyday ourselves, rather it be coming in late, not doing what we are told by a boss, saying ugly words, etc...do we get physically "punished" and "hurt"... no we don't..if one adult hits another, it's automatically an arrestable offense. Same goes for if an adult physically hurts a child. And as someone knows the laws VERY WELL and uses them daily...if you also left welps on your childs bottom, then their pants were more than likely down while you were hitting them, therefore that can also lead to sexual abuse of a child as well! Yes I know your story and why you are having to go before the court with it. If you would have been a good role model for your son he wouldn't be getting in trouble at school to this extent. I have 2 kids to prove that this is true. We are both hard working, respectable, good parents and our children are so family invovled and love us as much as we love them. They want to make us proud and we want to show them how much we are proud of them, by rewarding and praising them..and if they have ANY problem they have always felt comfortable coming to us without out fear. Therefore if they have any problems we and/or they know how to handle it without acting out.

#7.1.1.1.1.1 parent of 3 on 08/12/09 at 04:57 PM [Reply]

I have 2 grown children,one in kindergarden and a grandchild on the way.Games,chuckie cheeses etc. is only using blackmail against your children.I have spanked my children without pulling pants down or the stupid stuff you are mentioning about sexual abuse(that is sick)my children were punished and spanked and never did it again.You are very lucky you never had to spank your children but all children are different,some more rebellious regardless of the rolemodles in their lives.My children were straight A students,band,cheerleading,my son is an EMT,my daughter is in college to become a lawyer and I have a Kindergardener.They were taught to do the right things and make the right choices in life alot through talking to them,but sometimes it was necessary for spankings to teach them respect which they still have for other adults and children.They tell me all the time,"Mama raised us right and respectful"they were never abused or cursed at and were raised if they were disrespectful then there was going to be a price.Maybe some in prison these days like your vidio games your speaking of get their televisions taken away...think about it before you judge!!!!!!!!!!!!!

#7.1.1.1.1.1.1 knows the truth on 08/13/09 at 02:07 PM [Reply]

I just saying they're alternatives to spanking..my son is a stubborn rebelious child himself. It's not blackmail..the definition of blackmail is "a payment extorted by intimidation as by threats of injurious revelations". We do not "intimidate" or " threat injury" to our children. If they do wrong they don't get to do or get something they want..that simple and it WORKS! As far as "sexual abuse"..I have the 2009-2010 law book right here and yes it can be termed as sexual abuse if the pants/underwear is down..more time than not it's not consider that..but with the right person(s) background and situation it can be termed that way in the use of the law in court. Yes it is sick, but some "irresponsible" and "sick" parents do that. And you don't well congradulations...We have just found a less degrading way to disapline our children...by rewarding them for doing right and taking away a privledge for not. They don't get physically hurt, "blackmailed" (obviously you don't know the definition of, I quoted it above for you), nor any kind of punishment that can be taken by anyone else that we abuse, mistreat, or are to hard on our children. They love us, respect EVERYONE, and always say how good of parents we are...So you continue to disipline your children your way and we will ours. Oh and if you ever get "hit" by another adult, their just doing what you do to your children, so don't get mad or try to take charges out on them.

#7.1.1.2 j barrett on 03/30/09 at 09:06 PM [Reply]

AMEN,respect for parents is GONE..Timeout is a joke! Kids have more fun in timeout,than when not.I can remember when their was only 1 hickory left on the hickory bush.not anymore ,the bush is over grown.we as parents have failed our kids when we LET(yes i say LET)
the Goverment take over our lives,I say Let Because if all of us stand up an say this is how we want our children to be disciplined.
theirs not much they can say or do.after all
it is "WE THE PEOPLE"

#8 Anonymous on 03/28/09 at 02:29 PM [Reply]

#8.1 Taken aback on 04/09/09 at 05:36 PM [Reply]

While this student may be straight-A, perfect attendance and all of the above; IF it is proven that he committed the act, he should never darken the door of CMS, CHS or any other school, save reform school. If the allegations were concocted, the accuser should be held not only liable to the school system, but also criminally and financially liable for the trouble she caused this alleged perp.

#9 Anonymous on 03/30/09 at 04:53 PM [Reply]

this is stupid

#10 pfft on 04/15/09 at 02:45 PM [Reply]

God has nothing to do with a teenage boy who can't behave himself in public. whether he has a dominineering father figure or not, or whether he just has absolutely no respect for girls or women, he is a teenager and should know how to behave. The reason that he thinks he can get away with it is because people just say that he needs God and don't actually discipline him. If you want him to behave, don't throw a bible at him, throw some morals at him and teach him how to behave in the real world.

#11 anon on 10/23/09 at 02:04 PM [Reply]

i myself believe in spankings time outs or any other way to get my childs attention. some kids will listen to a strong voice and behave but some will not. i have talked to my daughter in many different tones i have tried gettin down to her level taking things away and that doesnt work. some kids need a good old-fashioned spanking. i completely agree with the government having way too much power over our lives and our children as well as what gets taught to them. they are our children and we as parents deserve all of the rights to do whatever is needed to make and mold them into well rounded adolecents and responsible adults. somethings gotta give and one day it will. no president is going to change anything thats not going to benefit him first. we the people have to make that move ourselves.

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