Statement regarding the arrest of

On December 17, Sacred Heart Cathedral School, Dodge City, was made aware of an ongoing criminal investigation of a teacher at the school by the Dodge City Police Department.  The school’s principal was served with a search warrant granting law enforcement personnel access to items located in a second grade classroom at the school, including electronic equipment and other items.  The school fully cooperated with law enforcement in complying with these requests.  The Catholic Diocese of Dodge City has since been made aware that Tabitha Adams, second grade teacher at the school, was arrested on suspicion of sexual exploitation of a child and aggravated endangerment of a child. 

Based on what little information has been provided by police investigators to the Diocese, it is currently believed that the charges involve conduct outside of school time and do not involve any of Ms. Adams’ students.  School personnel are cooperating fully with law enforcement in the ongoing investigation.  The policies of Sacred Heart Cathedral School and the Catholic Diocese of Dodge City as well as the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Charter for the Protection of Young People are being followed in this matter. 

Ms. Adams, who has worked at the school for three years, has been placed on suspension pending the ongoing criminal investigation.  School and Diocesan officials are in communication with law enforcement personnel, including the Dodge City Police Department and the Ford County Attorney’s office, and will provide additional information to school parents as it is able to do so.

Bishop Ronald M. Gilmore asks us to hold everybody affected by this sad situation in prayer.

(Posted 12/18/07)