Smithville ISD Responds to Allegations of Contract Worker Photographing Cheerleaders at High School [updated]

By Kristen Meriwether, Publisher

Update Sept 20, 3:55 a.m.: On Friday evening, following the publication of our newsletter, Smithville Texas News learned the investigation into this incident has closed. We will reach out to the Smithville Police Department for further information.

After receiving feedback from the cheerleaders and their parents at tonight's game, we updated the photo to a simple graphic. Thank you for the feedback.

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On Sunday, Smithville Independent School District officials released a statement addressing concerns over an incident in which a contracted custodial worker was accused of taking photographs of high school cheerleaders in a parking lot last week.

The incident occurred the morning of Sept. 9 when three Smithville High School cheerleaders reported spotting the worker snapping photos of them around 5:50 a.m. as they prepared for practice, according to a Facebook post by the mother of one of the cheerleaders.

Smithville Texas News has decided not to name the mother or her daughter to protect the identity of the high school student, who is a minor.

In the post, the mother said the cheerleaders captured a photo of the man in the act, and the girls quickly ensured the cheerleader's safety by escorting her into the school building.

The cheerleader allegedly reported the incident to an adult volunteer on campus, but, according to the Facebook post, that volunteer dismissed the incident. The cheerleader texted her mother, who sent a family member to check the area, according to the post. After receiving more details and photos following cheer practice, the mother contacted school officials.

In their statement released Sunday, Smithville Independent School District said once administrators learned of the concerns, they immediately notified the Smithville Police Department and the worker's employer, IQS Inc., which provides custodial services.

"The person in question was immediately removed from campus and IQS Inc. has confirmed that they are no longer employed in any capacity or in any other location with their company," the statement read.

The district said it is collaborating with SPD on an ongoing investigation and reiterated its commitment to student safety.

"The safety of our students and staff is of primary importance to Smithville ISD," the statement said. "We appreciate our school community's ongoing vigilance in reporting any suspicious or potentially concerning situations."

In an email on Monday morning Smithville Police Chief David Repka said the investigation into the incident is ongoing and the subject has been fully cooperative so far.

We will update this story as more information becomes available.