Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, June 4, 1993 TAG: 9306040107
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: KATHY LOAN STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: FLOYD LENGTH: Medium
Authorities are considering similar charges in Roanoke, where the principal of Hurt Park Elementary School is under investigation for failing to report a case of suspected child abuse.
Rhonda Kamala Fenn, 31, of Floyd, and her supervisor, Linda Crate, 40, of Christiansburg, each were indicted by a Floyd County grand jury on one misdemeanor charge Tuesday.
The indictments were not released until Thursday so that the two women could be served with summonses.
Commonwealth's Attorney Gino Williams said the charges came about after an investigation of a report from the Department of Social Services of a possible sexual abuse of a 5-year-old girl.
Williams said reports indicate that the child's mother told Fenn in mid-January that her child had been abused. Fenn was required under state law to report the allegations to authorities, Williams said.
The law also applies to other professionals who regularly have contact with children - doctors, psychologists, teachers and police officers.
Fenn apparently did not report the allegations, but did send notes to her supervisor, Crate, who also did not make a report to authorities, Williams said.
The alleged sexual abuse was reported after the child was referred to Mental Health Services and workers there notified the Department of Social Services, he said.
Terry Smusz, executive director of New River Community Action which oversees the Head Start program, declined to comment on the charges Thursday.
"We have a position; we have a statement," Smusz said, but added that she did not feel it was appropriate to comment until after she meets with the agency's lawyer next week.
State law calls for the report to be made immediately so that children are not left in an environment where the abuse can continue, Williams said.
Lapses in the period of time an incident takes place and when it is reported also can have an effect on successful prosecution, Williams said.
The investigation was handled by Virginia State Police.
Failure to report suspected child abuse is a misdemeanor that carries up to a $500 fine for first offenses and $100 to $1,000 for repeat offenders.
A Floyd County man accused of committing the abuse also was indicted Tuesday. Martin Junior Rose, 51, of Floyd, waived a preliminary hearing earlier.
The indictments allege he committed one count of aggravated sexual battery on Jan. 10.
Williams said the incident is alleged to have occurred at the man's home, where the girl was disrobed and touched.
Rose, who is represented by Floyd lawyer Robert Spessard, is free on bond.
The Roanoke case involves an 11-year-old student who arrived at the school the morning of April 27 with bruises on her face.
Four teachers reported their concerns to Principal William Shepherd, who was required under Virginia law to "immediately" report suspected child abuse to proper authorities.
The 11-year-old's mother was later charged with child abuse after Roanoke's Child Protective Services learned of the case from a relative, not the school.
Chief Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Betty Jo Anthony, who is considering issuing a summons against Shepherd, said Thursday the case still was being investigated.
Staff writer Laurence Hammack contributed information to this report.
by CNB