The debate over Lorena ISD's handling of sexual abuse spilled over into city government this week, even as the school district continued to deny responsibility in court filings.
Lorena ISD officials on Tuesday refuted claims that they “looked the other way” or facilitated former substitute teacher Nicolas Scott Crenshaw's sexual abuse of a 5-year-old girl in his classroom during the 2020 school year -2021.
Meanwhile, two residents, including a Baylor business professor, were denied seats on a city economic development board this week because of their criticism of the district's handling of abuse reports.
The victim's parents filed a federal lawsuit in August against Lorena ISD and Lorena Elementary School Principal April Jewell, alleging they mishandled reports of the abuse. The lawsuit is pending in U.S. District Court in Waco.
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In response to inquiries from U.S. Magistrate Jeffrey C. Manske in a Rule 26 report, Lorena ISD officials generally denied the allegations Tuesday. Meanwhile, Jewell maintains he is entitled to qualified immunity from the charges and is appealing a ruling by U.S. District Judge Alan Albright that he is not.
“Defendant Lorena Independent School District denies all claims asserted in plaintiff's complaint,” the district's response said. “Nicolas Crenshaw committed acts of 'unspeakable evil' against Jane Doe and was punished by the state of Texas after his guilty plea. Crenshaw's acts, however, are not attributable to the District and its employees. Lorena ISD did not “look the other way” or take any action that made it easier for Crenshaw to commit his crimes against Jane Doe.
“The district has policies and procedures in place prohibiting Crenshaw's conduct, Lorena ISD trains its employees to prevent and recognize sexual abuse, and the district responded appropriately to reports about Crenshaw, reports that differed greatly from the allegations contained in the plaintiff's complaint”.
Crenshaw, 29, was sentenced to 40 years in prison without parole after pleading guilty in May 2023 to five counts of aggravated sexual assault of a minor. Texas Department of Criminal Justice records show he has an expected release date of June 2061 and is currently being held at a prison in Huntsville.
Aside from Lorena ISD's first public comments, Monday's Lorena city council meeting was also overshadowed by the negative publicity surrounding the lawsuit and the school district.
Lorena residents Lane Wakefield and Elliot Kelly were denied the opportunity to fill two open seats on the Lorena Economic Development Corporation board of directors after discussion and a vote by the board.
Wakefield said he and Kelly were recommended by the EDC, a group that uses sales tax revenue for economic development goals, to fill the two open seats and that they wanted to contribute to the community.
Before the discussion or vote, Lorraine Mayor Tommy Ross expressed concern about them joining the board, as Wakefield and Kelly, either directly or by affiliation, have been outspoken about the Lorena ISD situation.
“After looking at their resumes, they're both definitely qualified, but I have concerns about both of them,” Ross said Monday. “We are part of the EDC, you promote Lorena. I-35 is their biggest asset and by far their best. The school district is second best.
“I don't care what you do in the school district, that's none of my business. But when you represent Lorraine, we must be united. … Now, that said, I don't have a vote, but that's exactly how I feel, and I wouldn't recommend that happen.”
A clinical assistant professor of sports marketing at Baylor University, Wakefield, has publicly stated that Lorena ISD officials must be held accountable for possible mishandling of sexual abuse.
He added that his outspoken comment coupled with the fact that Kelly's wife spoke up for their children's safety on a television news broadcast last week made them look bad in the council's eyes.
“I thought I could bring some benefit to the community given that the roles were open, and they contacted me to apply, so it was twisted and turned because apparently I'm not valuable if I don't agree with their views on other community issues,” Wakefield told the Tribune-Herald on Wednesday.
Lorena City Council member Brad Wetzel, also EDC vice president, said Monday that officials are waiting for other applicants to fill the two open positions. Wetzel declined to comment further Wednesday.
Council members Katrina George and Emily McKenzie agreed with Ross, saying it's a bad time to potentially mix conflict with business.
“I don't see it benefiting EDC,” McKenzie said of the possible appointment of Wakefield and Kelly. “But when all the cards fall where they may, I'd love to see your request again.”
Wakefield said the city council's decision Monday sends an unpleasant message to the city of Lorraine.
“Many others don't want to talk (publicly) because, again, the expectation is that if you disconnect with those in positions of authority at school or city hall or elsewhere, your concerns or questions won't be addressed . . , or your grades don't matter anymore,” Wakefield said.
