Senator Demands Accountability for School Officials in Charlotte Amalie High Abuse Case

Following the release of an audit exposing systemic failures in child abuse reporting within V.I. public schools, correspondence between Sen. Marise James and Attorney General Nominee Gordon Rhea earlier this month has also drawn increased scrutiny on the lack of accountability for school officials involved in the case of convicted Charlotte Amalie High School (CAHS) coach Bruce Smith.

Smith, convicted in 2021 of sexually abusing dozens of students over a 15-year period, is serving a 35-year prison sentence. However, James, in her letter to Rhea and U.S. Attorney Delia Smith, expressed outrage that no legal action has been taken against school administrators who knew of the abuse but failed to report it. Citing Virgin Islands laws allowing for the prosecution of individuals who negligently allow child abuse to occur, James called for immediate action to hold accountable those who enabled Smith’s behavior by remaining silent.

“Parents, victims, and the public deserve answers and justice. The fact that school officials remain employed despite knowledge of these heinous acts erodes public trust,” James wrote. She added that VIDE’s inaction prior to federal intervention allowed Smith to continue his abuse unchecked.

If the school officials who allowed this to happen are not held accountable, it sends a dangerous message that others can neglect their duty to protect our children without consequence, she said.