At least two young women have leveled accusations at Williams. One is a recent McAuley graduate and another is a senior who attended McAuley until recently when her accusations against the coach made her a target of his supporters. The Joplin Police Department has interviewed both young women, a source told The Turner Report.
Parents were reportedly told that the accusations involve supplying alcohol to minors. Screen shots of Facebook messages allegedly sent by Williams indicate use of profanity and references to drugs and sex in conversations with a teenage girl.
(Note: I have the screen shots, but I am not going to have that kind of language on this blog.)
Williams is the second teacher fired by McAuley for misconduct in the past couple of weeks.
More information is on the way.
60 comments:
What is wrong with teachers these days? Sex, alcohol and such....oh my! Especially at a private religious school. Then you look at TJ Independent Day school, Joplin, Mo. The "school" just fired the new art teacher for shaking a 5th grader. Check it out. The school swept the incident under the rug as usual.
Well, firing the guy sounds like the main thing to do for shaking a fifth grader. What other steps would you like them to take?
To the first Anonymous posting... why did you refer to TJ as a school in quotation marks?
I don't believe it. I want to see proof, I think you're bluffing Turner!
Here is an education to Anonymous who questioned the use of quotes around the word “school”. These are called sneer quotes, which are quotation marks placed around a word or phrase to indicate that it does not signify its literal or conventional meaning. The effect of using sneer quotes is often similar to pretending a skeptical modifier such as so-called or alleged to label the quoted word or phrase, to indicate scorn, sarcasm, or irony.
Other steps to take other than firing the guy??? One-step would be public awareness (a news article) based on the "quality" personnel working at the school. Just as the situation at McAuley, public awareness is essential in making choices for a safe education for our children.
Facebook...any teacher who facebooks with student for any reason should be fired.
That's ridiculous. The overwhelming majority of teachers who maintain Facebook friendships with students do so in an entirely professional manner. The only teachers who should be fired are those who misuse Facebook.
Even if the Missouri Facebook Law of last year had been upheld by the legislature - that no teacher could have any child in school as a friend - it would not have prevented this predator from his actions.
That was a big point concerning the argument to change that ridiculous law. Only decent and honest teachers wouldn't friend a child on Facebook because of the law.
It was never going to stop a true predator.
Well TAD, first of all you have never talked/interacted with the "predator". The "predator" is being accused by girls who are not very upstanding in the community, and they can't be trusted. This blog only shows one side of the story, so before you go spouting off about this "predator", maybe you should get all the facts before you label this "predator" an actual "predator". He was a decent man who was well respected in his community.
Anonymous at 8:15
"Blame the Victim(s)" is live and well.
You have no facts to counter any of this with. It's hearsay at best and you can save your opinion for sentencing when Williams needs character witnesses.
Williams was in a position of authority over those children and abused that authority, enough so that it convinced a Catholic school something substantial happened and they booted his *** to the curb.
You seem like a good enough friend or relative to him, or maybe you are Williams. Regardless, you should be spending your time raising bail money instead of digging yourself in deeper.
I wholeheartedly believe these accusations after knowing Williams for many years. Do not verbally attack the victims. While I don't know them personally, I'm sure they've been through enough. It's people like you who degrade others and attempt to discredit them, making it difficult for them to stand up and tell the truth. I know they are not the only victims. It was only a matter of time before he was caught. Thank God.
I, too, have known Williams for years and was shocked when I heard he was fired. I know that he is guilty of having inappropriate conversations online and through text messages. However, I find it interesting that the girl's mother knew of this for several months before letting the school know. Only after her daughter was suspended (for something she did at school) did she become upset about the conversations between her daughter and the coach. I would also like to mention that neither of the girls say anything about any sexual advances made by the coach. I am not sure why Mr. Turner chose to title this piece "Sex Scandal", but I guess that is how news reporters get people's attention. It's just a shame that he feels he needed to smear the school's name and the coach's name even more. I support the school's decision to terminate Williams, but to say these girls are victims and he is a "predator" is taking it a bit far.
I knew Williams when he was kicked out of another Joplin school (CHCS) for these same reasons. Multiple underaged girls were involved. It was horrible, and I was shocked that he could get hired at another school. His sick tendencies will always catch up with him, though.
I have to say I was most surprised of the lack of support by the members of the Joplin Catholic community. I have even seen that one of the victims own family supported the coach!!! Claiming because she was of age it was OK. How sick of them! I feel so sorry for her!
A leopard never changes his spots! This isn't new! Some people are too busy in their own little fantasy world to catch on. Can't fix stupid!!!
Sad to see people posting things they know nothing about! I mean really??? People dont look foolish by taking bits & pieces of stuff and creating a story to support such a troubled man. No matter what the girls are or have done, they are victims, he is a predator. This is not new for him. I would think such things as this blog only make him have a harder time dealing with this outcome. I would bet the girls have never even heard of such a blog. People commit suicide over things as unfortunate as this. Think before you put your tongues & fingers into action!
I have a child that attends McAuley. In my opinion the suspension was part of the retaliation. The children are allowed to listen to music in class. The girl was suspended after the mother approached school faculty of only some of her discovery. Her suspension was because the ear buds were visible during a school mass. No musical source was present, only the ear buds! Yet the coach fired chaperoned the school homecoming dance where a few of the girls removed clothing down to their bras & nothing happened!!! This is wrong on so many levels!!!
I agree Randy...there are still some good teachers that have morals out there...AMEN!
And Randy Turner, haven't you been fired yourself?? So get off your high horse, you are NO better than anyone else, though you may think you are!
To The first Anonymous,
I would like to start off by saying that I feel that your comments referring to the legitimacy of Thomas Jefferson were extremely rude and inappropriate. It is apparent to me that you do not have a child at Thomas Jefferson and therefore you have no right to make such comments on a subject that you have no understanding of. I have gone to Thomas Jefferson since the second grade and I would like to say that it has been one of the greatest decisions that my parents have made for me. I arrived at the SCHOOL from another school that had not given me any personal attention and had result in my inability to read at the second grade level. When I came to TJ my second grade teacher met with me every weekend at her home to help me learn to read and I went from not being able to read at all to being one of the best students in my class. I have had teacher after teacher since then take a personal interest in my education and my life. This is something I know for a fact for my interaction with other students at other school is not something that occurs frequently at other schools yet it is something that occurs with every single student at TJ. We are a school and a pretty amazing one at that considering that we regularly have National Merit Scholars and you know graduate students to little private college, maybe you have heard of them, Yale? WashU? Brown? And we don’t just get in we collectively get millions of dollars in scholarship a year. I am not under the belief that Thomas Jefferson is the only place in Joplin to get an education but I believe that it is the easiest place to get a good education. I would also like to point out that I am not the daughter of doctors or lawyers nor do I receive scholarship to attend TJ, unlike 75% of the students at TJ, my parents make a huge sacrifice for me to attend this school and I am eternally grateful for that.
Now that I have explained to you what this “school” is about and what we do I would like to come to my main point: As our name, Thomas Jefferson Independent Day School, states we are a private institution. We do not receive tax money to run our school and this gives us the right to keep things like the firing or letting go of a teacher private. To say it plainly, it is none of your business. If you are already sending you child somewhere else what is going on at TJ is none of your concern. I would also like to point out that there should be a level of respect and privacy given to a teacher that has been fired or let go. Should he be condemned to never have a job again because of one incident of poor judgment? I feel that this way of thinking is just ridiculous. He was my art teacher and I found him to be a very nice person he just simply was not the right fit for TJ but he should have no trouble fitting into another atmosphere, like the job he previously held for a long period of time.
So Anonymous, Thomas Jefferson is a SCHOOL and I will venture to say the best SCHOOL in the area and I feel that you should limit your speech to things you directly have knowledge about and finally as an independent school our business is our own. If you want to be involved you should send your children here. :)
Sooo, Anonymous 's ... if the coach is an innocent man, why would he text or facebook a student? Regardless if the student is 18 or 28, the teacher has the responsibility to ward off any inappropriate contact. The teacher/coach should have enough sense to tell 1) his supervisor that a student is making him feel uncomfortable with their actions and ask for supervision during that time so that he could never be accused of anything. The teacher /coach 2) should have had enough sense not to use facebook or cell phone texts that can be easily traced. I cannot think of any reason, any reason at all why a teacher would need to text a student at 11:30 at night. That is nothing short of a booty call.
3) People here on this blog act like the Catholic church has never had a history of protecting pedophiles or that teachers never cross the boundaries of student/teacher relationships.
Why in heaven's name does the victims actions have anything to do with blame? Coach Williams is a grown 30 something year old man. Don't we expect him to be the adult? Don't we expect him to make good choices? Don't we expect him to be responsibile as a teacher, employee, and citizen?
He is innocent because he did not have any conversations with the supposed high school student in question!!!!!!! She was just trying to retaliate because she blamed him for her getting suspended from school for 3 days. His conversations did happen, but with a girl who was NOT IN HIGH SCHOOL!!!! HE DID NOT DO ANYTHING ILLEGAL!!!
Williams did have inappropriate conversations with a student at McAuley but yes she was of legal age. (maybe there are others not of legal age)
Do you want your daughter to go to a highschool where a coach ask her to be an F buddy? go for it
Dear the Anonymous who posted: "I have a child that attends McAuley... Her suspension was because the ear buds were visible during a school mass. No musical source was present, only the ear buds!"
Were you at that Mass? I was. The girl was dancing around, clearly listening to music. She were being disrespectful. It wasn't even a McAuley teacher who reported her actions to the principal; it was a teacher from St. Mary's. So if you think the administration only suspended this girl because they had a problem with her, you're wrong--they were not behaving how they should have during Mass.
And that "victim" was not the only one who got suspended. Thus, the "she were" mistake in my previous comment--I wasn't going to mention her, but maybe it will help my argument.
I am a staff member at JACCS. There was no musical source found on the girl suspended. There were three girls who had visible earbuds, only one girl had an ipod. I over heard & witnessed retaliation in action to this girl. When I brought it to the attention of McAuley's principal, he became very upset with me. I was informed to let him handle it, which in my opinion he did not do.
The parents of this girls were very active memebers of our parish. They participated in many volunteer activities. Not only did we lose three wonderful children from our school, I fear we will lose them from our Catholic community.
I am also looking for another job. This has been a real eye opener for me. The JACSS needs change, or it will not exist in five years.
This is not the first incident of sexual misconduct at McAuley. It has been covered up at least two other times that I know of. Fortunately, someone finally had the nerve to stand up for what is right. No matter what, it is never acceptable to offer a student alcohol, drugs, or sex. Personally, they should not be texting, calling, or Facebooking them. Im surprised these girls do not have serious problems from this type of exposure. Many times in cases such as this, these girls become very troubled and sometimes suicidal. I hope the school or church are providing counseling for these girls.
Please pray for this coach. I have known him for many years, since highschool. Trust me when I say there has been issues since then. He also worked at the dollar movie theatre here in Joplin. This was another problem for him in regards to very young girls. CHCS had similiar issues with him early in his career. This man needs help. Are the schools not correctly documenting these instances? Has anyone offered him counseling instead of turning him loose to be a repeat offender? This part of the system is also at fault! The girls involved definitely need counseling! I lost a friend to suicide over a very similiar incident! People, your words can kill!
Pray for the ignorant...people either speak of things they know nothing about or find a justification to suit an end to a means- in which they don't like! Another name for these people...COWARDS & BULLIES!!!!
When I first heard this blog exsisted I didn't think it would be the Turner Blog. I had given you too much credit and after reading what you wrote I now dicredit eveything I have read by you.
I am a very active parent at Mcauley. Very little of what I have read is true. Mr. Williams does not have a history of this behavior, the girl who made this up did so out of revenge, the screen shots you have are from a fake account made by her mother, Mr. Williams did text a female....she's out of school, there were no girls in bra's at the dance...I was there.
Why has nobody mentioned that the girl making these claims was also expelled for immoral conduct? She's not even allowed on Mcauley property.
I know without a doubt my children are safe at Mcauley. Mr. Williams should not have lost his job and it will be very hard for somebody to fill his shoes.
Her immoral behavior was listening to music during mass. This was well after her mother complained to the school about the texts.
I had no idea the victim's mother has so much time on her hands to create fake Facebook accounts ! Not only oes she volunteer for her church, she works for St Johns and has 3 children !
I bet she also posted those harassing comments from " fake" accounts using real students names ...And called herself using specific parent names to set them up for harassment ! Yea, that's it ! NOT
The fact is ... More then one girl involved... The first girl wasn't even believed. Another girl came forward. 2 more are being questioned.
The involved parents at the Catholic High School can say all they want... There was enough hard evidence to terminate the coach.
I am a graduate of McAuley from way back when. A clear policy needs to be established such as no teacher or student is to communicate on any social media or texting. Need to go back to the old fashioned way. Send a note home with the student to the parents. No communication devices allowed in school or at mass/church. And clear procedure as to what steps taken if violated. Its a private school and keep it private. Lay down the law like the nuns did with us. A through background check of all teachers is a must. Good references is a must when hiring. The policy must be tough and revisited during the year as to what can happen if inappropriate contact takes place. Huddle up people and make the policy happen!!
Those policies are already in place.
At this point and time, there is no policy in place, however, it is in the works. We are an environment with many flaws, just as many. As for the girl being expelled and not allowed on McAuley property, that rumor is false. The Catholic Diocese terminated the teachers in question based on solid proof, that I can ensure you. The misinformed could help the current situation by not "assuming" to know details which have only been made privy to few.
It would not matter what this girl, or that girl has done!!!! It is an outrage that any parent thinks this is ever acceptable! How do you call yourself a parent, much less a Christian! I dont care if they had begged him for sex or alcohol, it is never acceptable! To the other bloggers...so right, cant fix stupid & YES to the nuns!!!!
Facebook is not to blame...the coach is! My child is a freshman at this school. He has witnessed the sexually inappropriateness from this coach to a few of the girls in his class. One could only hope to have proof such as Facebook messages, texts, or emails! What about what he has said directly to them? From the sound of things, the girl expelled was most likely acting out from his behavior! Young women in our society may look as though they can conduct themselves in such situations, but clearly, this is not the case. Parents need to wise up and educate their children!
It is rumored too that one parent found pictures on a cell phone of this man actively drinking & smoking with one of the girls! How is that for proof!
Is immoral conduct listening to music in mass? Is this a catholic sin? Doing a striptease at a school dance isn't? Please explain.
"As for the girl being expelled and not allowed on McAuley property, that rumor is false". I know that is not false because this came from the girl in question. She said it.
The school does have a policy in place because the students and parents sign it.
I was at the the dance in question regarding the "striptease" and I did not see anything. I have spoke to a few other parents who were also present (in case maybe I missed something)and they did not see anything. It seems as if there are several false allegations flying around.
The immoral conduct that led to expulsion was stealing. The suspension was from listening to music during mass. It was two seperate occasions.
I'm just glad all the current students have moved on and I have yet to hear any of them say a bad word about their former coach. It seems as if the parents are trying to keep it going. They seem to be making up more stuff to stir the pot. Maybe everyone should take lessons from these kids. Mcauley has a great faculty and student body. It will take way more than this to ever convince me otherwise.
As to the comment that the girl was "expelled" for stealing. This is simply not true. These children we removed by the choice of the parents due to the lack of a policy/plan to protect children in the JACCS! I know the mother personally. It has been rumored that many children will not be returning to JACS next year because of the poor manner in which this situation was handled. I have been on the fence until reading & hearing some of the most outrageous lies from JACSS parents! When one cannot attend a basketball game without it being obsessivly talked about, there is a problem! Children learn behaviors from their parents & as Catholic- Christians what are you teaching your children? To harass troubled people? The priest recently CRIED at Ash Wendesday mass that he was deeply hurt by the actions of his congregation. If these girls are lying & there is no proof of this coach being inappropriate, then why did the Catholic church terminate him??? How are the girls to blame??? JACCS administration must realy be pathetic! Seriously, think people before you lie. The lies are representing the very small Catholic population & giving even more of a stigma to being Catholic here in the Bible Belt. Gutless wonders never cease to amaze me!
I am a parishoner of St. Mary's & this proves who crucial another Catholic church is needed in Joplin! All the haters are from St. Peter's parish! We do not want to be affiliated with these so called Catholics! For the good memembers of St. Peter's, I apologize, but this is unbelievable! I wish their priest was around more so he would know what is going on! I can only pray the bishop will see this!
Unless dresses now come with bikini-like tops....I have seen an actual picture with a girl dancing with other McAuley kids in a bra- like article of clothing. Maybe the parents were off with the chaperone's trash-talking people! This is what they seem to be able to do best...
WOW, how can I get a hold of these girls with so much power!!! Bad girls with good power, I like it! However, it is a little hard to believe...wise up folks & lay off the Lifetime Movie Network! Geez!
Diana,
I feel your pain. We are trying desperately to keep St. Mary's church a possibility. I do not believe the school will be rebuilt, but I have faith the church will be. Catholic education is not what it was when I was a girl. The nuns need to be in the school. Unfortunately, nuns are so rare these days. The priest are also rare. Our priest is past retirement & the other priest has multiple jobs and does travel out of town often. All we have is prayer. Today, I ask all to pray for those who continue to threaten & harass these girls and their families. I pray they come too their senses and recognize their wrong doings to their Catholic community. Please pray with me.
I think the same three people are just posting as different people. They are pretty much argueing with themselves at this point.
WOW! What a mess...just glad I am not Catholic & choose to belong to a non-denominational church! God is God & I suggest some of you find Him! McAuley sex scandal, nuns, priests, OH MY!
I am very disappointed regarding Diana's comment that "all the haters belong to St. Peter's parish". This is so offensive and simply not true. This type of inflammatory comment is an example of an elitist and separatist attitude. Now more than ever Joplin Catholics need to be united. I am very proud to be a Joplin Catholic, belonging to a loving Catholic parish-St. Peter's. In my last eight years of experience of being a JACSS parent, believe me I have seen plenty of "haters" in St. Mary's parish as well. No parish or church, no matter what denomination is without sin. Let us show an attitude of mercy and kindness toward each other, instead of ripping each other apart.
Diane....do you live in a world of gumdrop trees and chocolate streams? You are either unaware of the ugliness that goes on at your church or an active participant. I do agree on your remark "Let us show an attitude of mercy and kindness toward each other, instead of ripping each other apart." Share with St. Peter's parishoners!
Well u am a student at mcauley, these accusations are false! I've had coach as my football coach and teacher añd for these wrongful accusations to be thrown I'm his face are awful! I know he wouldn't do this because I know him on a personal level too. He was a role model to many students at mcauley! And as for the student that brought all this "stuff" up is a liar! I mean her record is all you need to know that she is a liar!
Thank you very much! I was sitting RIGHT behind her while this was happening!
@9:45...
If you think this girl deserves to be harassed by church and classmates, if you think this girl deserves to have a teacher be inappropriate because she wore suggestive clothing or flirted , then you probably think Rush Limbaugh was correct for calling the law student a SL*T and PROST*TIT*TE for advocating for birth control.
You must not also know that several girls have come forward... several who have graduated and some who have left.
Sadly, part of a predators grooming process is making other people believe his actions are justified or that he is just being picked on...
I hope one day you are a victim and experience this yourself...
Dear "McAuley Misfit" aka anonymous...the "stuff" that the "liar" made up is so very true. Are you catholic? Do you really believe your catholic school system & the catholic church terminated this coach's employment based on lies? Really? This does not speak well for your catholic system, or your faith. These girls had clean records, UNLESS, you are speaking of the record created by you and other fine outstanding JACSS citizens! Seriously? Don't be allowed to be brainwashed by your misplaced feelings of jealousy! Are you the 15 year old girl who has bragged about having a "fling" with this coach? Are you as troubled as the 18 year old Modesto, CA dropout who took up with her 41 year old coach? Your lack of empathy & false accusations make you incredibly transparent. Haters are not cool! And..."u am a student at mcauley," do they teach English at McAuley, because your paragraph could use much help. Wait, of course not, because you are too busy learning these wonderful catholic values that so many have witnessed on Facebook. The public forum is correct...McAuley is known best for it's hipocrisy & bullying talents! I will be praying for all of you....
To the anonymous poster who mentioned how the coaches grooming process is to convince others he is being picked on....YOU ARE SO RIGHT! One thing I have discovered from small religious schools such as the one mentioned, they have cult mentality, they are not usually well educated, & they do not think outside the box so to speak. I believe when you use the term "grooming," they have no idea what you are talking about! These predators are smooth! He knows how to pick his peers very well. This is absolute proof. I find it interesting he has only worked in private schools.....
to @9:45- um I'm pretty sure they teach English at McAuley. There are a few typing errors. So don't say that they don't teach English at McAuley. And also you don't know if these girls have clean records. You need to know the whole story before you start spouting off about how bad the JACSS is. The JACSS is not bad. Try to be more respectful.
To the individual who remarked about the girls records...Do you know? I have worked for local law enforcement for 18 yrs. When the reports were made against the McAuley coach, records for all involced were ran. To date, a total of 4 girls have been interviewed. NONE of these girls have a criminal record. I would be interested in such records you claim. Remember, be careful when making false accusations. False accusations can be punishable by law....just sayin!
As for the person who is worried about the JACSS looking bad...no one has to do that, they do bad all by themselves! Actions speak for themselves!
In reference to the @0910 anonymous...Please enlighten us all with your vast knowledge of the "whole story." AND just the facts, not a version conjured up by the likes of you and other haters! I read a bit of jealousy in your tone...
Healthy people never think it is appropriate and teachers/coaches to mix in any way outside of school. Im also very concerned at the post by the child who knows the coach could not be capable of doing such things because, he/she knows them on a personal level!!! NO ONE should KNOW their TEACHER/COACH on a PERSONAL LEVEL.
Ann M.,
No I do not look at my church with rose colored glasses. As I said, sin is everywhere, in every church, in EVERY parish. I do however choose not to fan the flames by engaging in degrading, accusatory and inflammatory behaviors and comments. This does nothing to improve the situation. It saddens me to see others lacking self restraint in this area.
My hairstylist was talking about this situation today. She was engaged to Williams when the original College Heights situation came to light. She said that Williams was not fired from College Heights, but was already a teacher at McAuley when the first round of accusations came around. Perhaps some of these McAuley girls just rode the coattails of the College Heights stories?
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