ALACHUA, FL (352today.com) – An Alachua County high school has sent a letter to parents confirming that the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) is conducting an investigation into potential crimes against children.
In the letter, Santa Fe High School (SFHS) Principal Timothy Wright stated FDLE agents were on campus Monday, adding that the school and the district are fully cooperating with law enforcement.
The school is located on Highway 441 in Alachua.
Wright’s memo also mentioned that Travis Yeckring, the school’s media specialist and head coach of the baseball team, has been placed on administrative leave by the district as it conducts its own investigation.
“Obviously, there are a lot of rumors about this situation, and I know that many of you and other people in the school community have questions. Unfortunately, the school can’t provide anymore information at this time,” wrote Wright in the letter.
The letter went on to say Chris Malphurs and Patrick Treese have taken over coaching duties in the interim.
Local Business Owner/Parent Severs Ties
Meantime, a law firm representing a local business has sent a letter to the school demanding that their company’s logo be removed from the SFHS campus.
The letter dated March 7 and posted on Facebook, was sent to the SFHS principal by attorney Bobi J. Frank on behalf of Thompson’s Sod, Inc and its owners Colby and Kari Thompson.
The letter says the demand is due to the “active criminal investigation into numerous individuals, including employees and affiliates of Santa Fe High School.”
The attorney says the Thompsons have also removed their own children from the school.
“The removal of the Thompson’s business logo from Santa Fe High School’s campus is the first step that the Thompsons are taking in their quest to proudly stand up for all children, past and present, that attend Santa Fe High School and who have been, or are currently being, victimized by adults who have been entrusted with providing the children a safe place to receive an education, play sports, and socialize,” cited the letter.
According to the letter, the Thompsons will also help the FDLE in its “endeavor to expose all Santa Fe High School employees, officials, or affiliates whose actions, or inactions, have compromised the integrity of the Alachua County School System.”
Colby Thompson shared the letter on Facebook saying, “our hearts and prayers are with all of the children and families affected.”
A spokesperson for the Alachua County Public Schools confirmed that the school has complied with the demand letter and all banners, signs and digital images of Thompon’s Sod logos have been removed from the campus.