Gentry PD Release Details of Abuse Investigation
By: Amanda Ashley
Updated: June 12, 2012
On Tuesday, the Gentry Police Department issued a statement outlining the
details of an investigation into reports of abuse against a middle
school coach.
Back in May, the police began looking into multiple reports of physical abuse centered around Blake Daniel Rhein, 23. A parent originally brought the information to officers about Rhein who teaches health and coaches soccer at Gentry Middle School. Police say most of the complaints were about things that happened during gym class. Seventeen students were identified as possible victims.
Investigators interviewed more than 30 people including students, teachers and other school employees, before turning all information gathered over to the Prosecuting Attorney's Office. The prosecutor will decide if there will be charges filed against Rhein, based on the reports. According to the statement, the prosecutor will also decide if any other employees violated state law by not reporting incidences.
Agencies involved in the investigation include the AR Department of Human Services, Children's Advocacy Center, Arkansas State Police-Crimes Against Children Unit and the Benton County Prosecutors Office.
Due to the large amount of information turned over, the Prosecuting Attorney office says they will make a decision in 3 to 4 weeks.
Back in May, the police began looking into multiple reports of physical abuse centered around Blake Daniel Rhein, 23. A parent originally brought the information to officers about Rhein who teaches health and coaches soccer at Gentry Middle School. Police say most of the complaints were about things that happened during gym class. Seventeen students were identified as possible victims.
Investigators interviewed more than 30 people including students, teachers and other school employees, before turning all information gathered over to the Prosecuting Attorney's Office. The prosecutor will decide if there will be charges filed against Rhein, based on the reports. According to the statement, the prosecutor will also decide if any other employees violated state law by not reporting incidences.
Agencies involved in the investigation include the AR Department of Human Services, Children's Advocacy Center, Arkansas State Police-Crimes Against Children Unit and the Benton County Prosecutors Office.
Due to the large amount of information turned over, the Prosecuting Attorney office says they will make a decision in 3 to 4 weeks.
