Emporia Police say no probable cause has been found to support reports of inappropriate touching by an adult during an incident at Emporia Middle School earlier this month.
According to Emporia Police Captain Lisa Hayes, EPD is nearing the end of its investigation into the incident that was reported on May 12 following the school’s spring dance. Hayes says “All alleged victims (and their parents/guardians) were given the opportunity to view the video footage with a detective at the Emporia Police Department.”
At this time, police have found no probable cause to believe any adult or adults intentionally touched any students inappropriately. However, Hayes says probable cause has been established to believe four juveniles made false reports in the case to police. Hayes adds EPD is intending to propose formal charges of falsely reporting a crime be brought against the four juveniles by the Lyon County Attorney’s Office.
Tuesday night, USD 253 Community Relations Director Lyndel Landgren released the following statement:
“The district appreciates the Emporia Police Department’s efforts in connection with reports concerning the Emporia Middle School dance on May 12, 2023. As a reminder, the district strongly encourages good faith reports of any kind of harassment. We are committed to responding to concerns and/or complaints in accordance with Board Policy.”
