SCHOOL BOARD OF MANATEE COUNTY OFFICE OF PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS INVESTIGATORY REPORT Case Subject: Laverna R. Williams Case Type: Inappropriate Contact Date of Birth: June 29, 1969 With a Student Work Site: Bayshore High School Case Number: 13-2074-OP Position: Cafeteria Manager Investigator: Troy Pumphrey Date of Hire: July 21, 2006 OPS File Opened: September 11, 2013 Union Member: Date of Report: September 19, 2013 Counsel: SECTION I BACKGROUND INFORNIATION: On Wednesday, September 11, 2013, an Office of Professional Standards file was opened based upon an allegation that Lavema R. Williams the food services manager at Bayshore High School had an inappropriate sexual relationship with a Bayshore High School student. This relationship started while the student was in the tenth grade. The student was sixteen years old when the alleged sexual relationship started, Williams was Forty years old. The Investigator interviewed Bayshore High School Principal, David Underhill who stated that he received a phone call from a parent that her daughter, Shakura Ogletree, who at the time was a student at Southeast High School, was having an inappropriate relationship with Lavema Williams. On or about July 2012, Principal Underhill referred this information to the Office of Professional Standards. On or about July 1 1, 2012 former investigator, Debra Home contacted the alleged student victim Ogletree by phone and the following notes were taken: Are you a student? No longer a student of SDMC, graduated in June I understand you are pregnant? Pregnant but dad is not employee of district Do you know a Mr. Levema Williams? Yes I do, but he has nothing to do with me being pregnant How do you know him? I'm not talking about this anymore. Bye The following notes prepared by Home are also noted below: Case No. 1 1--013 2012-201 3 screened matters 'Allegationz inappropriate interaction w/ student. Disposition: no action taken alleged victim unwilling to speak w/investigator.' On September 11, 2013 this Investigator opened an investigation as a result of a complaint by Lavema Williams that he was being harassed by Shakura Ogletree who is the mother of his child and a former student at Bayshore High School. Mr. Levema Williams is the food services manager at Bayshore High School. During the interview Williams admitted to having a relationship with former Bayshore High School student, Shakura Ogletree. Williams confesses that the relationship began while Ogletree was a student a Bayshore and ended sometime around the September 11, 2013 interview. Williams stated that he is the father of Ogletree's nine month old child and that his relationship with Ogletree started during the time Ogletree was a student at Bayshore. Williams further claims the relationship became sexual after Ogletree withdrew from Bayshore High School. On or about September 11, 2013 this Investigator conducted an interview with Shakura Ogletree. Present during the interview was Lakeisha Ogletree, mother of Shakura and Detective Moreland from the Manatee County Sheriffs Office. During the interview, Ogletree stated that she first came into contact with Williams during the summer of her sophomore year. Williams, who owned a Jaguar would drive through her neighborhood and watch her as she walked to and from her house. Ogletree also stated that once school started at Bayshore High School, she recognized Williams. Ogletree stated that she and Williams began a relationship and that the relationship became sexual in nature sometime around the middle of her sophomore year. Ogletree stated that she would go to Williams' oflice and he would touch her about the arms and legs, and that on one occasion while at Bayshore, Williams handed her an envelope and told her to open it after she left the school campus. When Ogletree opened the envelope she discovered four hundred dollars cash and a note from Williams that told her to use the money to purchase a cell phone so that he could contact her. Ogletree stated she was sixteen years old when the sexual relationship with Williams began. She stated that Williams is the father of her baby and that she has continued her sexual relationship with him until about three weeks prior to this interview on or about September 11, 2013. Page 2 of 3 Case No. A personnel file review was completed on Wednesday, September 12, 2013 with the following results: On September 24, 2007, Williams was accused of hitting a student. As per the OPS investigation no disciplinary action was warranted. SECTION II CONCLUSIONS: Findings: Violations: Williams who has been employed with the School District of Manatee County since July 2006 has submitted a letter of resignation dated September 19, 2013 Based on the findings of fact, it is determined that Levema Williams while an employee of the School District of Manatee County and assigned to Bayshore High School as the food services manager, engaged in an inappropriate sexual relationship with Shakura Ogletree, who at the time of the relationship was enrolled as a student at Bayshore High School. When the sexual relationship began, Leverna Williams was forty years of age; Shakura Ogletree was sixteen years of age. Based upon the above allegations, "just cause," as that tenn is defmed by section Florida Statutes (2011); Rule 6A-5.056, or School Board of Manatee County Policy as applicable, exists to discipline the employee in that: Willia1ns's actions violated Rule F.A.C., which requires that the individual make reasonable effort to protect the student from conditions harmful to learning and/or to the student's mental and/or physical health and/or safety Williarns's actions violated Rule F.A.C., which requires that the individual shall not exploit a relationship with a student for personal gain or advantage Mr. Williams tendered his resignation, September 19, 2013. Page 3 of 3 4254; Was, 6&1 rim c/ Printed by: Christine Ruggiero Thursday. September 19, 2013 1:22:05 Title: Fwd: Leverna Williams Page 1 of From: Troy Pumphrey Thursday, September 19, 2013 1:13:45 PM Rusty Moore Subject: Fwd: Leverna Williams To; Ruggiero Attachments: I Leverna Wi||iams.pdf /Adobe Acrobat Document (44K) Original Message From: Rusty Moore Thursday, September 19, 2013 11:28:39 AM Subject: Leverna Williams To: Sandra Ford Troy Pumphrey David Underhill Attachments: Levema Wi||iams.pdf Adobe Acrobat Document 44K Leverna Williams has resigned effective today 9/19/13 His resignation letter is attached Thanks Rusty Moore, Training Specialist Food Nutrition Services 941-751-6550 ext 2140 moore1r@fc.manatee.k12.fl.us Fax 941-751-7373 ?3 0 ?ha garbad' Es re a i Um VV9 ?erag :7 9./nu oeon ax Employee Entry Actxon Code . . . 3 1: LEVIEKNA R. Hwlne Company. . . M101 Add'1 2:2 Nu. . Home Bus Unit, . omznaonou Secutlty Bus um: Salary. . . . {w,a,s,M,A1 Data Staxced. . . 0712112005 Hourly Rate. . 17 170 crig. Hire Date . CoInpa>>I-latxo. . Date nf Birth . . 11511511565 Check Route. . D072 shift. Cede Na shin uepamnenc . . Position ID. 'rsuo111A Administrato Mazxtal scar. . Job aype . . masons Manager, Caf Gender . 5 Pay Freq/Class Ethnic Code. . Black or A Pay Grade/Step 6) as Pay Status . 9 Active Workers Camp gnu Maintenancel Employmt stat. Not Used Exempt. Lacality . . Headquarte Senefi: Group as Regular mu Supervisux . . 131o12 roan, Union Code Non-Eargaini Review on. no Job Cat. 1 sanuce War): Type Review None Asaig Countz'y/Lang United State Tax (Res/Wrk . 1o 10 F1. x-'Hrs/Year. 1565.00 No. as Pay Periods 24 Entry Bval Fs=Prc:Ei1e Data vsasao Dates Add: F2d=Moze N7 . gfl?jd of 9/Sjyzim A/iyflj /Mme -EUR49 ee/29? my /van Doll; on 1+ 44 76/? - Dw?h 03/4/51} 3! 9" 05:21 5 Salaxy . . Hourly Rate. . 17.17:: campaqzuio, . an Employee Entry Action Code . . Home Company. Home Bus. um: Security Bus uni: Date Started. Orig. Kxre Date . Date of Birth . ..o72) no1o1 00724100000 Tuvfofifi zoos D7 21 2ao5 . Check Route. on72 Shit: Code No Department . . Marina] Stat . Job qype . vpsnus Manager, cat Gender . . . Pay Freq/Class 1: Ethnic code, . Black or A Pay Grade/Step s1 09 Pay Status 9 Active Workers Comp . 5101 Main|:enan:e/ Employmt scat. Not Used snsa Exempt. . Locality . . . Headquarte Benefn: Group. Rr 5 Regular pun Supervlsox' . 131n12 1-'mm, sum unmn Code . nomaargnm Nxr. Review at. my Job can-.. 5; Service Work Type Review. None Assxg Country/Lang United sate Tax (Res/Wrk) 1o 1o VL 5-Hrs/Year 15sa.uo No. of Pay Pzrlods 24 Entry 5: Eval F5=Ptofi1e Data bk man. 9' 01"? -. 5 mum Dates 'Run Add: -2 ow . . lime Pfimed by' Debbm Home Wednesday. July 11. 2012 4.20.58 Title' Fwd: SHAKURAA. paa? 1' of From. Debbie Home Wednesday, July 11, 2012 3.1551 PM Michelle .limenez--Easen/I Subject: Fwd' SHAKURAA OGLETREE To: seem Marlin Please call me in regard to this matter'. I am uncertain whar if any next steps Debra A, Horne Specialist, Office of Professional Standards School Support Cenfer 941-708-8770 ext 2023 941-737-5642 (Cell) Original Message John/Debbie: received a call from Lakeshia Ogletree. the mother and EP of Shakura Ogletree yesterday, alleging that her daughter who is approximately I8 years and 9 months of age at the current time, is 6 months pregnant. She claims that the father is LEVERNA WILLIAMS, a cafeteria manager at BHS. A review of the student's records shows that she was last enrolled as Hospital Homebound, however, while it reflects grade l2. it does not reflect completion with a regular or special diploma. The mother's number is Please advise what if any steps need to be taken. Thank you. Michelle Jimenez-Baserva Legal Assistant to john W. Bowen, Esq. 2l5 Manatee Avenue W, 2nd Floor Printed by Librarian Wednesday,September1B.1D13 217301 Title: Fwd: SHAKURAA. OGLETREE 5 Archive Server Page 1 ol From: Debbie Home Wednesday, July 11, 2012 3:15 51 PM Michelle Jimenez-Baserva Subject: Fwd: SHAKURAA OGLETREE To' flscan Marlin Please call me in regard To This maffzr. I am uncertain what if any next steps are." Debra A. Home Specialist Office of Professional Standards School Support Center ext 2023 941-737-5642 (Cell) original Message John/Debbie: I received a call from Lakeshia Ogletree, the mother and EP of Shakura Ogletree yesterday, alleging that her daughter who is approximately I8 years and 9 months of age at the current time, is 6 months pregnant. She claims that the father is LEVERNA WILLIAMS, a cafeteria manager at BHS. A review of the student': records shows that she was last enrolled as Hospital Homebound, however, while it reflecls grade I2, it does not reflect completion with a regular or special diploma. The mother's number is' Please advise what if any steps need to be taken. Thank you, Michelle Jimenez-Baserva Legal Assistant to john W. Bowen, Esq. 2l5 Manatee Avenue W, 2nd Floor Printed by: Librarian Title: Fwd: SHAKURAA. OGLETREE Archive Sewer Wednesday, September 18, 2013 2:17:30 Page 2 of; Bradenton, FL 34205 (94 I )708-8770 x226| Fax Printed by. Librarian Wednesday, September 1 s. 2013 2:16:53 I Titie' SHAKURAA. Server Page 1 01 From: flmicnene Jimenez-Easerva Wednesday, July 11. 2012 2:39:42 PM Subject SHAKURAA. OGLEFREE To: flJohn Bowen Debbie Hume ]ohnlDebbie: I received a call from Lakeshia Ogletree, the mother and EP of Shakura Ogletree yesterday, alleging that her daughter who is approximately I8 years and 9 months of age at the current time, is 6 months pregnant. She claims that the father is LEVERNA WILLIAMS. a cafeteria manager at BHS. The mother': number is -- Please advise what if any steps need to be taken. Thank you. Michellejimenez-Baserva Legal Assistant to John W. Bowen, Esq. 2|5 Manatee Avenue W, 2nd Floor Bradenton. FL 34205 (94 I )708-8770 Fax 'imenezm Qmanateeschoolsnet Pnnied by' Librarian Wednesday, $ep:emher1B.2013 Title: SHAKURAA. OGLETREE :Archiw Server Page 1 From: fl Michelle Jimenez-Baserva Wednesday, July 11' 2912 2:39:42 PM Subject: SHAKURAA OGLETREE To' Bowen flnebbie Home Johnl Debbie: I received a call from Lakeshia Ogletree, the mother and EP of Shakura Ogletree yesterday, alleging that her daughter who is approximately I8 years and 9 months of age at the current time, is 6 months pregnant. She claims that the father is LEVERNA WILLIAMS, a cafeteria manager at BHS. A review of the student's records shows that she was last enrolled as Hospital Homebound. however, while it reflects grade I2, it does not reflect completion with a regular or special diploma. The mother's number is Please advise what if any steps need to be taken. Thank you. Michelle Jimenez-Baserva Legal Msistant to John W. Bowen, Esq. 2l5 Manatee Avenue W, 2nd Floor Bradenton, FL 34205 (94! )708-8770 x226i Fax 'imenezm @manateeschoo|s.net SCHOOL BOARD OF MANATEE COUNTY OFFICE OF PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS INVESTIGATORY REPORT Case Subject: Levema R. Williams Case Type: Criminal Work Site: Manatee Elementary School Case Number: 07-1408-OP Position: Cafeteria Manager Investigator: Debra A. Home Date of Hire: July 21, 2006 OPS File Opened: September 24, 2007 Union Member: Date of Report: October 25, 2007 Counsel: SECTION I BACKGROUND INFORMATION: On Monday, September 24, 2007, an Ofiice of Professional Standards file was opened on Levema R. Williams ("Williams"), Cafeteria Manager, Manatee Elementary School ("Manatee"). The OPS file was opened on Williams due to an allegation brought forward by a student. The student alleged that Williams hit him on the head. On Monday, September 24, 2007, Sandra Ford Director of Food Services and Nutrition, phoned OPS. Ford stated that a parent of a Manatee student accused Williams of hitting her child. This alleged incident 0CCl.ll'l'6d on Thursday, September 20, 2007 in the alter- school care program at Manatee. Ford directed Williams to work behind the scenes in the cafeteria and have no contact with students, pending the outcome of the investigation. On Monday, September 24, 2007, the investigator phoned Helen Abemathy ("Abemathy"), Principal, Manatee. The notes of the conversation are enclosed in the OPS file. It should be noted that Abemathy informed the investigator that Manatee does not currently have an after- school program. The investigator directed Abemathy to call the Abuse Hotline and to involve her School Resource Officer due to the fact that the parent had made an allegation of use of excessive force by a staff member. On Monday, September 24, 2007, Abemathy phoned OPS and informed the investigator that she phoned the Abuse Hotline and reported the alleged incident to an operator named Alexis (ID #5376). According to Abernathy, the operator took the information, the School District of Manatee County address and the alleged victim's address as well as the alleged victim's mother's name and address. Abemathy was unsure if the matter would be investigated by Child Protective Services or if the call had just been documented. On Monday, September 24, 2007, the investigator phoned CPS in Manatee County and spoke with Mercedes. The investigator was advised that the matter had indeed been forwarded to CPS and was assigned to investigator Michelle Davis ("Davis"). comment Address, Telephone Number and Emil of Attorney Levema Williams Case No. 07-1408-OP Manatee Elementary School 9/1 1/2013 3:10 PM On Tuesday, September 25, 2007, a review of Williams' personnel file was completed. Williams' evaluations were in the "quality performance" to "exceptional" range. A Memorandum of Conference dated January 9, 2007, was contained in Williams' personnel file. The conference addressed attendance issues, specifically at cafeteria manager's meetings. On Thursday, September 27, 2007, the investigator phoned Davis at CPS to check on the status of the matter. The investigator left a message requesting Davis retum the phone call. On Friday, September 28, 2007, the investigator again phoned Davis to check on the status of the matter. The investigator again left a message requesting Davis return the phone call. Later that aflemoon, the investigator spoke with Davis. Davis stated that she had closed the case "unfounded." On Monday, October 1, 2007, OPS obtained a copy of the Bradenton Police Department Incident/Investigation Report. The report is enclosed in the OPS file. The BPD report reads as follows: Reporting Oflicer Narrative Bradenton Police Department OCA 2007-017405 Mon 09/24/2007 14:24 On 09-24-07 I was dispatched to Manatee Elementary to meet with CPS Investigator Michelle Davis. Upon my arrival I was directed to the conference room where Mrs. Davis was present with a student, [name redacted]. Mrs. Davis informed me that [name redacted] has accused a cafeteria worker, Laverna (sic) Williams, of hitting him in the back of his head with a pen. [Name redacted] stated that this happened on Friday, September 21, 2007 around 1230 or so. [Name redacted] advised that a bunch of kids were walking and Mr. Williams said something to him and hit him the back of his head with a pen that had the cap on it. Mrs. Davis asked to see [name redacted] 's head and touched a spot on the back left side of his head She asked him if she could touch it and he said "0k Mrs. Davis said she could feel a lump and I asked to also touch the spot, since I could not see a visible injury. [Name redacted] allowed me to feel the area and I could feel a very small lump. Mrs. Davis asked him if it hurts at all. [Name redacted] said it hurts when he puts his football helmet on. Mrs. Davis then asked him if it hurt before Friday. [Name redacted] paused a few seconds and said, [Name redacted] was also asked if anyone else witnessed the incident. He said that he did not know and then said that some of his friends were standing around and might have seen it. Mrs. Davis asked [name redacted] when he reported the incident. He said that he told his mother when he arrived home and she called the principals ofiice. Page 2 of 4 Levema Williams Case No. 07-I408-OP Manatee Elementary School 9! I 1/2013 3:10 PM Laverna (sic) Williams was not available for an interview due to the school was closing for the day. CPS had no other information on him at this time. CPS will notify us then they need to return and conduct an interview with Mr. Williams. Report Oflicer: Linkenhoker, William The BPD Case Supplemental Report, also enclosed in the OPS file, reads as follows: Case Supplemental Report Bradenton Policy Department OCA: 200701 7405 Investigator: Cerniglia, Anthony J. Supervisor: Wilkinson, James A. I responded to Manatee Elementary and spoke to Mr. Williams in reference to this case. Mrs. Williams stated that [name redacted] was in the hallway talking to another student. Mr. Williams stated that he brushed his hand in an upward motion to get [name redacted] 's attention. Mr. Wiliiams (sic) stated that he never hit [name redacted]. I spoke to [name redacted]. [Name redacted] stated that Mr. Williams poked him in the head with a pen. There were no signs of injuries to [name redacted]. [Name redacted] did have a small zit on his head that he stated hurt. There were no independent witnesses to this incident. [Name redacted] stated that he did not think Mr. Williams intended to hit him, and agreed that Mr. Williams was trying to get his attention because he was talking in the hallway. Closed SECTION II CONCLUSIONS: Findings: Williams has been employed with the School District of Manatee County since July 2006. He is currently employed at Manatee Elementary School as a Cafeteria Manager. Based upon information obtained from the Bradenton Police Department's report, the following findings of facts were made: 1) In an attempt to get the alleged victim's attention, Williams touched the student on his head but did not hit the student or cause him harm; and 2) Williams did not use excessive force when interacting with the alleged victim. Page 3 of 4 Levcma Williams Manatee Elementary School Case No. 07-1408-OP 1/2013 3:10 PM Violations: Disposition: No disciplinary action warranted. Page 4 of 4 SCHOOL BOARD Karen Carpenter Chairman Julie Aranibar Vice Chair Robert C. Gause Barbara A. Harvey Dave "Watchdog" Miner SUPERINTENDENT Rick W. Mills P.O. Box 9069 Bradenton, Florida 34206-9069 215 Manatee Ave. W. Bradenton. FL 34205 PH. (941) 708-8770 2193 FAX. (941) 708-8686 manateeschools. net EdVa+1tage SCHOOL DISTRICT OF MANATEE COUNTY September I6, 20 I 3 Debra A. Home 77l5 l3"' Avenue NW Bradenton, Florida 34209 Re: Request for lnterview Dear Mrs. Horne: This letter is to notify you that the Office of Professional Standards is requesting a meeting with you regarding a school district matter. You should know that the matter in question is not related to the Frazier case which you are currently on paid administrative leave for. Please contact this office at your earliest opportunity to set up an appointment to be interviewed. in addition, please refer to SB Policy 6. 3 (4) which outlines your obligation to cooperate as an employee of the School District of Manatee County. Lastly, a copy of this letter will be forwarded to your attorney, Derek Boyd via email. Sincerely, Troy Pumphrey, Investigator Office of Professional Standards cc: Derek Boyd ff Food 8 triti ??mI|angFFuces?" ht School District of Manatee County 2501 63rd Ave Bradenton, FL 34203 941-751-6550, ext 2131 FAX: 941-751-7373 To: Levema Williams From: Sandra Ford Re: Assignment Directives Date: September 13, 2013 Directive: Pending the outcome of an investigation into alleged misconduct. it is the expectation of the School District of Manatee County and the Food and Nutrition Services office that you will meet the following directive. You, Levema Williams, are being removed from the school enviromnent and are being reassigned to the Food and Nutrition Services District Office at the Professional Support Center, effective September 13, 2013. You, Mr. William, are to continue to report to work at the assigned location until further notice and additionally are NOT allowed to be on any school campus. Food and Nutrition Services Director Sandra Ford explained the directive to Mr. Williams. It is the expectation of the School District of Manatee County and the Food and Nutrition Services office that Leverna Williams will meet all of the above directives and all other department and district policies, procedures, standards, and expectations on a consistent basis. Failure to comply with the directives contained in this memorandum, could lead to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of your employment. If you have any questions do not hesitate to contact Sandra Ford director of Food and Nutrition Services. This was presented to Mr. Levema Williams on September 13, 2013 at 8:00 am. Sandra Ford Director of Food and Nutrition Services Date 919* 9/15/13 I acknowledge that I have received a copy of this letter and understand the directives as they have been explained. My signature does not necessarily signify agreement with the contents mployee Date 4 /1 3 3 C: Troy Pumphrey David Underhill