PARENTS WITH DARE WANT WYATT TO BE INVESTIGATED

Area law enforcement officials said the investigation of a former
Jackson Township police officer who pled guilty to fondling a teen
over several years is complete, for now.

Thomas Wyatt II, who resigned his post at the police department, faces
the possibility of up to 60 days in jail when Judge Richard Reinbold
sentences him April 24 on one count of sexual imposition, a
third-degree misdemeanor. He also could be labeled a sexually oriented
offender, which would require him to periodically register his address
with authorities for 10 years.

Stark County Prosecutor John Ferrero said the misdemeanor charge fits
the crime, because the victim never claimed sexual intercourse took
place.

"I first thought it was a felony, but the law doesn't allow for it,"
he said. "The evidence didn't meet a felony charge. We can't charge
him with a felony just because he's a police officer."

But, parents involved in the local DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance
Education) program said they don't think the investigation should stop
there.

Wyatt, the son of former Canton Police Chief Thomas Wyatt, worked as a
DARE officer from 1996 to 2002.

"My main concern is the kids he's worked with in the past and one's
he'll face in the future," said Alice Springer, a former member of
Jackson Township's DARE board.

Springer said she hasn't heard any complaints from parents Wyatt has
worked with.

"People need to come forward and not be afraid," Springer said, who
added she believes Wyatt's sentence was too light. "He needs to be put
away in jail with the key thrown away. No matter who he is, he needs
to face the sentence."

Ferrero said no one has come forward with any additional allegations
of abuse. "We haven't looked at it, since no one has brought it to our
attention," he said.

Jackson Township Police Chief Harley Neftzer said when he heard of the
allegation against Wyatt, he immediately contacted the school district.

"There were no allegations of misconduct," he said, adding that since
Wyatt was a DARE officer for several years, a comprehensive
investigation wouldn't work.

"We would have to talk to thousands of kids he's come in contact
with," Neftzer said.

Wyatt's attorney, Bradley Iams, said his client said the incident was
isolated.

"It had nothing to do with his patrol duties," Iams said. "He took his
DARE duties seriously, and the fact no one has made an allegation
speaks volumes."

Kathleen Kelly, who also served on the DARE Board, said parents of
children who were in DARE should have age-appropriate discussions with
children and ask them about their feelings.

"I was a little surprised that I haven't heard that counseling was
offered by the school," Kelly said. "We're concerned about Tommy, but
no one has reached out to the kids. Too much attention has been paid
to him rather than the kids and their parents."

She said that if parents are concerned for their child's welfare, they
should get professional counseling or call the Stark County Mental
Health Board.

"Somebody needs to step up to the plate and say it's OK to talk about
this," she said. "I'm getting the impression people don't want to."