Today it was reported that the Kennedale Police had arrested a Kennedale High School teacher for improper photography, a charged that may be upgraded to a felony.
Kennedale Police Chief Tommy Williams released the followings statement to the Kennedale News late this afternoon. {{more}}
?On 03-17-2014, the School Resource Officer at Kennedale High School was given a recording device by a vice-principal. The device was given to the vice-principal by a teacher, who found it in the faculty lounge bathroom. The device, a camera, was found on the floor under the sink. It appeared to have fallen out from under the sink. Investigators were called to the scene and processed the area. Further investigation of the camera footage indicated that the camera had been used to record numerous unsuspecting staff members and also led investigators to the suspect.
On 03-18-2014, at 5:30 p.m., a search and arrest warrant was issued for the suspect and his home. The warrant was served and the suspect arrested without incident. He was taken to the Mansfield jail for booking and did not give a statement. Bond was set at $100,000.00.
On 03-19-2014 a separate search warrant was served to obtain computer and camera equipment from the suspect?s office at the school. The case remains under investigation.
The suspect is identified as Jason Tomlinson, age 29, of Mansfield.?Mid-day the KISD Administration spokesperson Erin Hyden issued the following statement
?Kennedale ISD is shocked and deeply saddened by the allegations against Mr. Jason Tomlinson. Kennedale ISD is cooperating fully with law enforcement officials and we have taken all appropriate actions in accordance with the law and district policy. Mr. Tomlinson has been placed on administrative leave effective immediately. As this is still an ongoing investigation, we cannot comment any further. Any additional questions may be directed to the Kennedale Police Department.?
Tomlinson was hired midterm last year to fill a vacancy when a teacher moved into an administrative position in January, 2013. The soft spoken teacher completed the year as a Government teacher. This year he was teaching in the Science department. Tomlinson also worked as an assistant football and basketball coach.Tomlinson was known by many of the staff as an outstanding athlete and a good student at KHS where he graduated in 2003, lettering in football, basketball, baseball and track. Today, members of the KHS faculty were described as being angered, saddened and, if the allegations true, violated by a betrayed trust.
