Police: 8th-Grader Inappropriately Touched 1st-Grader

Authorities say an eighth-grade boy in Johnston County inappropriately touched a first-grade boy. Officials credit an alert custodian for saving the day.

Posted 2:30 a.m. Sep 29, 2007 — Updated 3:31 a.m. Sep 29, 2007

PRINCETON — Authorities in Princeton say an eighth-grade boy inappropriately touched a first-grade boy from the school they both attend. Officials credit an alert custodian for saving the day.

It happened between 8 and 9 a.m. Thursday morning at Princeton School, officials said. The school has grades kindergarten through 12.

Princeton Police Chief Eddie Lewis characterized the incident as "inappropriate touching." He said Friday he was conducting interviews to determine the extent of it.

Johnston County school officials confirmed that an incident happened, but they would not say exactly what happened between the two boys.

According to the family of the first grade child, he is a special needs student.

WRAL has learned the mother of the first-grader became concerned when her son wasn't in his class. A short time later, a custodian at the school spotted both students walking off campus at a time when they should have been in class.

Crystal Roberts, Johnston County Schools’ spokesperson, would not say what disciplinary action was taken against the eighth-grader. Based on the county’s student code of conduct, punishment could include suspension, detention or expulsion.

The mother of the first-grader said she wants answers. School officials said they are working to find out how and why the alleged incident happened.

“This is a situation that occurred during school hours. It is our obligation to look into this situation,” Roberts said. “We appreciate concerned parents and [the mother of the first-grader] being concerned. It is our understanding that she has asked law enforcement to review the matter, and we will cooperate fully.”

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