AFPI Condemns Ohio School for Allowing Alleged 36-Count Felon to Attend Classes with Victims

Washington, D.C.— Emily Moreno, Deputy Director of State Action and Executive Director of the America First Policy Institute's (AFPI) Ohio Chapter, responded to news that Maggie Cook, Mentor Schools and School Board President, is allowing an alleged felon to continue attending classes.

"Maggie Cook has a responsibility to protect the children at Mentor Schools. Instead, her decision to allow a student charged with 36 felony counts, including child pornography and bestiality, to freely roam campus and attend classes with 17 of his alleged victims is reckless, traumatizing, and endangers the students,” Moreno stated.

The issue came to public attention through a courageous parent’s online post, highlighting the school’s failure to prioritize student safety. Despite parents' concerns that the student would remain on campus, Maggie Cook has taken no action.

"Providing a safe environment for Ohio's students to learn is a non-negotiable. Parents entrust their School Boards to make decisions in the best interest of their loved ones. Allowing this individual to remain in close proximity to students and victims is indefensible and seriously calls into question the leadership of the Mentor School Board," said Erika Donalds, Chair of Education Opportunity at AFPI.

Student safety is a top priority for all American parents. Allowing an alleged felon to attend classes with other students is a security risk, and parents are right to be concerned.