Last month on December 26th I brought you a story involving Forrest City School District, (FCSD), basketball coach Kobe Wilson and illegal gun possession….See link.
The incident happened at a Basketball game between Forrest City and West Memphis at a West Memphis School District gym.
West Memphis Police detailed in an Incident Report that Wilson, who is also an Elementary School teacher at the FCSD, was in possession of a handgun during the game.
State Law does not allow gun possession on school property including buses. Here is the statute –
5-73-119. Handguns — Possession by minor or possession on school property.
(b)
(1) No person in this state shall possess a firearm:
(A) Upon the developed property of a public or private school, kindergarten through grade twelve (K-12);
(B) In or upon any school bus; or
(C) At a designated bus stop as identified on the route list published by a school district each year.
(2)
(A) A violation of subdivision (b)(1) of this section is a Class D felony.
Conviction of a Class D Felony is punishable by up to six years in prison and up to a $10,000.00 fine.
Wilson was detained at the game by WMPD Officers, however, was not cited or arrested, and released on scene. To date the WMPD has not initiated an investigation into the incident.
The WMPD chose to ignore and cover up the incident; however, as the old saying goes….They ain’t the only show in town.
Enter Second Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney Sonia Hagood.
Upon being made aware of the incident, Hagood took the ethical and moral steps to see the matter is handled properly.
On December 31st she contacted Arkansas State Police Major Stacie Rhoads who is over the criminal investigation division of the ASP.
Hagood requested Rhoads to open an investigation into the allegations against Wilson.
On January 2nd Rhoads contacted Hagood to inform her the request was received and approved. Rhoads has assigned the matter to her Special Investigation Unit.
According to Cindy Murphy, Communications Director for the Department of Public Safety, the investigation is currently active and open.
Besides Wilson’s gun possession at the game violating State Law, his actions also violate FCSD Personnel Policy which states – “No employee of this school district, including those who may possess a “concealed carry permit,” shall possess a firearm on any District school campus or in or upon any school bus or at a District designated bus stop.”
The Policy goes on to further state – “Possession of a firearm by a school district employee who does not fall under any of the above categories anywhere on school property, including parking areas and in or upon a school bus, will result in disciplinary action being taken against the employee, which may include termination or nonrenewal of the employee.”
Despite the ongoing investigation into Wilson’s actions the FCSD has not placed him on Administrative Leave and he continues to Coach Jr High Basketball and teach at Central Elementary School.
I reached out to Forrest City School District Superintendent Tiffany Hardrick asking for a statement on the incident. She responded with “This is a personnel matter, and we are currently reviewing the situation.”
Many have questioned why the Arkansas Department of Education, (ADE), has not stepped in to take action. The answer is because the ADE has no authority in school district matters.
ADE Secretary Jacob Oliva is very much aware of the incident however his hands are tied. I reached out to him for a statement and his Director of Communications, Kimberly Mundell, responded on his behalf with – “The ADE is aware of the Forrest City gun-related incident. We trust that local law enforcement will handle the situation accordingly.”
The reality most people don’t know is only the School Boards have the authority, and they depend on recommendations from their Superintendents to take action in matters such as this.
If you have read me before then you know I focus on Facts…Truth…and Reality. In this case all three have revealed that the WMPD, Superintendent Tiffany Hardrick and the Forrest City School Board have failed miserably in their Professional, Ethical and Moral duties.
Thankfully Hagood has stepped in with the request to ASP to investigate. When that investigation is complete, they will provide her with it. She will then review and make the decision whether to charge and prosecute Wilson or not.
What are the odds of that happening ?
Well, if I was working in Vegas as an Odds Maker, I would say 50 to 1 Wilson will be charged, prosecuted and convicted.
If convicted, will Wilson go to prison ?
I’m going with the 50 to 1 that he will be looking at a fine along with probation but no prison time.
Does he deserve prison time ?
While his actions were completely irresponsible, dangerous and stupid, I don’t believe he deserves to go to prison.
When this is all said and done, Hardrick and the FCSB will do what they should have done to begin with and terminate Wilson and his career in Public Education will be over.
I think that, along with a fine and probation, is a heavy enough price for him to pay.
The WMPD, Hardrick and the FCSB need to pay a price as well…..But will they ?
I wouldn’t give up on that just yet.
#FactsNotFiction
#TeamPink
moc.oohay@nivac.eimmiJ
Professional Bully Fighter I investigate and report on issues around the State of Arkansas with an emphasis on Government. I am strong conservative however I bring Truth and Facts regardless of Party affiliation….My hashtag is #FactsNotFiction
Recent Comments