2 weeks Ago
A 28-year-old man was arrested Friday on a charge of felonious sexual assault after a Conway school resource officer began an investigation into reports he had been providing alcoholic beverages “to a large number of high school students,” police said. Malcolm Badger of Bartlett turned himself in to police after they filed for an arrest warrant on the sexual-assault charge, according to a news release. Conway Police Department School Resource Officer Cory Brandon began an investigation into Badger after information from several juveniles who reported he provided alcohol to Kennett High School students.
Police Chief Chris Mattei thanked Brandon and the school’s staff for their “cohesive and swift response” in this matter. “We are very proud of the relationship the department has with SAU9 and, once again, it has proven instrumental in helping keep the students in our community safe,” he said in a statement. Bartlett and Jackson police assisted in the investigation.
The arrest was made possible “due to several brave students who sought out trusted adults at the high school to share information,” SAU9 Superintendent Aimee Frechette wrote in a letter to parents. “As a school community, the safety and well-being of our students is our utmost priority,” the letter reads. “In light of this information, I encourage all parents and guardians to have open, honest conversations with their children about any information they may have that could be relevant to the investigation.
” Frechette asked families to contact police directly and to monitor their children’s social media and cellphone use. “We understand that situations like this can be deeply concerning and affect students emotionally, whether they were directly involved or not,” the superintendent wrote. “Our role in this matter is to ensure that all students have access to any resources they may need during this time.
” The district is fully cooperating with local law enforcement, according to the letter. Badger worked as an independent contractor for Badger Peabody & Smith as a licensed real estate agent, according to a statement from the company. “That relationship has been terminated.
We are deeply disturbed by the nature of the allegations and our hearts go out to the people and families who are affected,” the statement reads. “We understand this to be an ongoing police investigation so we do not believe it is appropriate for us to provide further comment at this time.” Badger is being held at the Carroll County House of Corrections and is scheduled to be arraigned on this charge on Monday.
Conway police expect more charges to be filed. [email protected].
