Pubdate: Fri, 24 Mar 2006 Source: Independent, The (Massilion, OH) Copyright: 2006 The Independent Contact: http://www.indeonline.com/left.php?external=forms/letteredit.php Website: http://www.indeonline.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3545 Author: Chris Pugh Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/dare.htm (D.A.R.E.) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?135 (Drug Education) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/corrupt.htm (Corruption - United States) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?225 (Students - United States) PARENTS WITH DARE WANT WYATT TO BE INVESTIGATED Area law enforcement officials said the investigation of a former Jackson Township police officer who pled guilty to fondling a teen over several years is complete, for now. Thomas Wyatt II, who resigned his post at the police department, faces the possibility of up to 60 days in jail when Judge Richard Reinbold sentences him April 24 on one count of sexual imposition, a third-degree misdemeanor. He also could be labeled a sexually oriented offender, which would require him to periodically register his address with authorities for 10 years. Stark County Prosecutor John Ferrero said the misdemeanor charge fits the crime, because the victim never claimed sexual intercourse took place. "I first thought it was a felony, but the law doesn't allow for it," he said. "The evidence didn't meet a felony charge. We can't charge him with a felony just because he's a police officer." But, parents involved in the local DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program said they don't think the investigation should stop there. Wyatt, the son of former Canton Police Chief Thomas Wyatt, worked as a DARE officer from 1996 to 2002. "My main concern is the kids he's worked with in the past and one's he'll face in the future," said Alice Springer, a former member of Jackson Township's DARE board. Springer said she hasn't heard any complaints from parents Wyatt has worked with. "People need to come forward and not be afraid," Springer said, who added she believes Wyatt's sentence was too light. "He needs to be put away in jail with the key thrown away. No matter who he is, he needs to face the sentence." Ferrero said no one has come forward with any additional allegations of abuse. "We haven't looked at it, since no one has brought it to our attention," he said. Jackson Township Police Chief Harley Neftzer said when he heard of the allegation against Wyatt, he immediately contacted the school district. "There were no allegations of misconduct," he said, adding that since Wyatt was a DARE officer for several years, a comprehensive investigation wouldn't work. "We would have to talk to thousands of kids he's come in contact with," Neftzer said. Wyatt's attorney, Bradley Iams, said his client said the incident was isolated. "It had nothing to do with his patrol duties," Iams said. "He took his DARE duties seriously, and the fact no one has made an allegation speaks volumes." Kathleen Kelly, who also served on the DARE Board, said parents of children who were in DARE should have age-appropriate discussions with children and ask them about their feelings. "I was a little surprised that I haven't heard that counseling was offered by the school," Kelly said. "We're concerned about Tommy, but no one has reached out to the kids. Too much attention has been paid to him rather than the kids and their parents." She said that if parents are concerned for their child's welfare, they should get professional counseling or call the Stark County Mental Health Board. "Somebody needs to step up to the plate and say it's OK to talk about this," she said. "I'm getting the impression people don't want to." - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake