A now-former Madison school employee has been arrested for allegedly communicating with students inappropriately, police said.
A now-former Madison school employee has been arrested for allegedly communicating with students inappropriately, police said.
Authorities said Shalena Hastings, 37, was arrested on March 28, and she faces a slew of charges including use of a computer to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity, misrepresentation of age, risk of injury, impairing morals of children and criminal impersonation.
The police department said Hastings was a Daniel Hand High School employee.
Superintendent Craig Cooke said Hastings is no longer employed with the school district, and she was placed on leave prior to her arrest.
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In a statement to the school community, Cooke said Hastings was arrested for alleged inappropriate online communications with a few Madison Public School students.
"Ensuring the safety of our students is our highest priority. We take any threats to that safety very seriously and respond swiftly. Any known parties directly impacted by this alleged event have been contacted directly. We are prepared to provide support to any and all students moving forward," Cooke said in a statement.
The Department of Children and Families (DCF) was made aware of the incident. The agency confirmed that they received a report and are conducting an investigation.
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The woman was held on a $150,000 bond and court records show she's scheduled to appear in court on April 9.
According to an arrest warrant, Hastings is accused of creating a fake online profile for a 15-year-old girl in England. She used the account to speak with at least seven different students at Daniel Hand. The conversation with two of the students was often sexual in nature, according to the arrest warrant.
Parents in Madison are sharing their concerns after the employee's arrest. According to a school handbook, she worked as a special education paraeducator.
“It’s never a good thing,” Jared Gilbert, of Madison, said.
“It’s alarming,” Bee Gordon, of Madison, said.
One parent said charges like these hurt the inherent trust they have for educators teaching their kids.
“We’re trusting them who our children’s lives and it’s the most trust we have to have,” Gilbert said.
Despite their concern, parents say they appreciate the district taking quick action.
“It sounds like they’re doing the things they need to do so I appreciate the prompt communication,” Gilbert said.
It's not the first time a teacher at Daniel Hand High School has been arrested. In 2017, a teacher was sentenced to three years in prison after being convicted of inappropriate contact with two students.
Police are asking anyone with additional information to contact them at 203-245-6500. The investigation remains ongoing.
