JEFFERSON COUNTY  — A recent letter from Waltonville School Superintendent Michael D. Denault acknowledges accusations being made against a former school district staff member.

According to the letter, the former teacher is currently accused of sending inappropriate messages to students at a new school.

Reports indicate the new school was Mt. Vernon Township High School and the teacher was reportedly walked out of the building earlier this month. Mt. Vernon Police Chief Trent Page confirms his department has an open investigation involving an allegation by a student toward a teacher.

Denault states it has also been brought to his attention that the alleged types of messages may have also been sent to Waltonville students while this individual was employed there.

He assures former and current students the district fully supports them and encourages anyone with information regarding the matter to contact their local law enforcement agency.

Denault also encourages the public to be mindful of the sensitivity of the subject with potential victims at the forefront as you consider public/social media comments.