TIPTON, Ind. – Detectives with the Tipton Police Department discovered officials with the Tipton School Corporation were aware of rumors involving a teacher and student relationship in 2015.
The rumors were connected to 37-year-old Beau Engle of Kokomo, who was a teacher at Tipton High School. He was arrested by police Thursday on 10 counts of child seduction for allegedly being involved with a student.
Following Engle’s arrest and release, investigators began meeting with officials of the Tipton School Corporation, where they learned administration was aware of the 2015 rumors.
School officials said no misconduct was found in 2015 however, as a precautionary measure, Engle was ordered stop contacting the student unless necessary for educational or safety purposes in the school.
Police said Engle ignored the order and continued to contact the student.
Engle was suspended from Tipton High School with pay.
Kevin Emsweller, Superintendent of Tipton Community School Corporation, released a statement on why the district did not notify police in 2015:
The earlier investigation conducted by the school with Mr. Engle actually took place during the winter of the 2015-2016 school year. The administration was made aware of rumors and gossip involving a teacher and a student becoming “too friendly.” A thorough investigation was completed and there was no conduct revealed during that time that would warrant steps to remove Engle from employment. If we felt that a student’s well being was at risk, steps would have been taken.
The safety and security of our students is our highest priority, therefore any indication of impropriety on the part of a staff member is responded to immediately. Rumors are addressed, however, facts are essential in such serious indictments. We encourage our community to share concerns with administrators in our schools so they can be fully investigated and acted upon accordingly.
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