Four Charged in MCHS Abuse Investigations

Authorities in McCracken County have charged four people in connection with allegations of sexual abuse involving McCracken County High School students.

At a press conference Wednesday morning held by McCracken County Sheriff Matt Carter, West Kentucky Star learned three employees at the school have been charged, as well as a student.

Principal Michael Ceglinski is charged with one count of second-degree official misconduct and one count of failure to report abuse. Director of Pupil Personnel Brian Bowland has also been charged with one count of second-degree official misconduct. Former Fishing Coach John Parks faces charges of first-degree sexual abuse and possession of child pornography. A student at the school, 18-year-old Princekumar Joshi has also been charged with using a electronic device to record or possess illegal sexual images of a minor.

The charges against Ceglinski and Bowland stem from accusations that the two were aware of potential abuse, but did not notify law enforcement about it. Det. Ryan Norman said detectives interviewed several faculty members and found school personnel knew about the alleged abuse for several weeks, and took little to no action.

Ceglinski has been suspended with pay from his position. In a statement released Wednesday morning, Ceglinski's attorney Jeremy Ian Smith denied any wrongdoing by his client, and said he has fully cooperated with the ongoing investigation. He goes on to call the charges "nonsensical and illogical", and says Ceglinski looks forward to taking the case to trial. Ceglinski's next court date is set for March 7. No court date has been set for Bowland.

The charges against Parks were brought after parents of a student contacted deputies about alleged abuse a full three weeks after originally reporting it to school officials. Detectives said in that case the school also did not make any effort to notify law enforcement. Parks is set to be arraigned Thursday.

Joshi was charged after deputies say he recorded illegal videos of an underage student. In that case detectives said school officials were also made aware of the accusations, but again chose not to report them to authorities. His arraignment has been scheduled for March 5.

Former MCHS Athletic Director Kris Garrett is also under investigation for alleged inappropriate contact with students, but has not yet been charged. That investigation is reportedly related to nude pictures of students as well.

Norman said there are also other ongoing investigations in the case, but no other suspects have yet been identified. He did add that none of the other suspects in the case are currently in a position to be in contact with students.

Carter stressed the law requires everyone, not just those in positions of authority, to report child abuse. He said those who do not are violating the law, and may be charged with a crime.

"We have a duty to protect all citizens, and children can be the most vulnerable citizens," Carter said. "I believe it is imperative that we always ensure they remain safe and hold those that do harm accountable, most especially those who are placed in positions of authority and are expected to be doing the right thing. Not only is the law clear in these type of incidents, but we should also all strive to follow a clear ethical and moral compass for the betterment of our community and our schools."

McCracken County Schools Superintendent Brian Harper said there are plans to conduct training sessions to educate faculty members on the legal reporting requirements when abuse is suspected.

"I have been working very closely with Sheriff Carter," Harper said. "We have training scheduled for next Tuesday with administrators and then with guidance counselors on Wednesday. We'll be working on the details of what that training looks like."