
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, May 31, 1990                   TAG: 9005310404
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B-7   EDITION: STATE 
SOURCE: RON BROWN STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

STATE POLICE TAKE CHARGE OF CASE AGAINST TEACHER

Virginia State Police will investigate allegations of improper conduct involving a male Patrick County High School teacher and female students.

Sheriff Jay E. Gregory requested Tuesday that state police take charge of the inquiry.

Gregory said his department lacks sufficient personnel to conduct the investigation because three officers are on extended sick leave and two have children in the school.

"I want to remove any appearance of conflict of interest in the investigation," Gregory said in a telephone interview Wednesday.

The teacher, whose identity has been withheld by school authorities, was accused of making lewd comments during the past month.

He was suspended with pay pending possible disciplinary action by the county School Board earlier this month. The School Board met Tuesday but took no action.

Gregory said his department was asked to investigate the allegation after the school system conducted a preliminary inquiry, which included the questioning of several students.

The county's department of social services will assist state police.

Commonwealth's Attorney Anthony Giorno also has removed himself as the legal adviser to state police in the criminal investigation.

Superintendent Dennis Witt sought advice from Giorno before suspending the teacher.

by CNB