In a statement released today, the Leake County School District said it’s aware of the recent arrest of one of its employees on a charge of “grooming” a child.
Sammie MacLaurin, who is listed as Director, SFSA Level II, for the Leake County School District Office of School Nutrition, was recently arrested in Lamar County, MS and charged with grooming of a child.
Under state law, someone commits the crime “when such person knowingly engages in a pattern of conduct or communication in person; through a third party; through the use of an electronic device, computer, social media, or text messages; or by any other means to gain access to, to gain the compliance of, to prepare, to persuade, to induce, or to coerce a child to engage in sexually explicit conduct or human trafficking or to procure the sexual servitude of a child.”
The felony offense is punishable by a prison term of at least two years but not more than ten years or a fine of not more than $10,000.
School Superintendent Will Russell says: “The safety and well-being of our students remain our highest priority. Upon learning of the arrest, the district immediately initiated appropriate personnel actions in accordance with district policy and applicable law. Because this is an active legal matter and a personnel issue, we are limited in what we can publicly discuss.”
The statement continues: “The district will continue to monitor the situation as the legal process moves forward. We understand that this news is concerning for our students, families, staff and community. We remain committed to maintaining a safe learning environment and appreciate the public’s understanding as we allow the legal process to proceed.”
