Jerry Hancock, athletic director at Muhlenberg County High School in Greenville, Ky., has been charged with two counts of harassment after allegedly subjecting a student to unwanted physical contact during a school sport activity.
As reported by NBC affiliate WFIE in Evansville, Ind., Greenville Police say the Muhlenberg County School District conducted a thorough investigation of the incident, which allegedly took place on Nov. 30, 2021. The incident wasn't reported to the Greenville Police Department until March 23.
On Friday, police released a statement saying the school district addressed the incident immediately and according to law, with the student’s safety as the main priority.
Greenville Police say they began an independent criminal investigation, with full cooperation from Muhlenberg County Schools.
According to KRS 158.154, school districts are required to report certain incidents to law enforcement immediately. Police say this incident did not mandate immediate reporting to law enforcement under KRS 158.154.
Police say the criminal charge of harassment involves unwanted physical contact. They say there is no criminal charge in Kentucky labeled as “Sexual Harassment,” and the unwanted physical contact in this situation did not meet requirements under state law to be considered a sexual offense.
"Matters of this nature are always taken seriously by the district," school officials said in a statement to WFIE. "Due to confidentiality requirements, we are unable to share any information regarding this situation at this time."
Students held a “peaceful protest” at the school Friday afternoon. There is also a petition circulating with the intention of having Hancock removed from his position.
