Danville school volunteer, church youth director charged after texting messages, photos to teens
A church youth director and Danville school system volunteer was arrested Monday and faces charges stemming from "improper text messages and photographs" to teenage boys, police said.
Bobby Cassady was charged with promoting sexual performance by a minor, first-degree unlawful transaction with a minor and portraying a police officer, according to a news release from the Danville Police Department.
Cassady, a youth director at Gethsemane Baptist Church, was reported to police by a 17-year-old boy for "suspicious activity," police said.
A second victim, a 15-year-old boy, also was identified, police said.
Parents are being encouraged to discuss what happened with their children and report suspicious activity, police said.
Cassady volunteered at several schools in the district, but his work was mostly at the secondary level, Danville superintendent Keith Look said. A lot of the work he did was in athletics.
Look posted a letter to parents on the school system's website.
Text of the letter
Below is the full text of the letter released by the Danville school system.
"Dear Danville Schools family:
"Late last evening, an individual who volunteers with the Danville Schools was arrested on charges relating to inappropriate transactions with a minor. News of this sort crushes one's soul and immediately sparks concern for the victim(s) and families who awaken to an unwanted new reality fraught with suspicion, doubt, embarrassment and anger.
"This individual is innocent until proven guilty. Yet in moments such as these, it is imperative that parents apply the trusting bond they have with their children to make sure they feel safe with those they spend time beyond their parents' reach — including adults connected to our school system. If any concerns arise, let the school teacher, counselor, principal or district superintendent know immediately.
"As superintendent, I know that job one is to provide a safe learning environment for all students. To know that students could be made vulnerable in any way demands an intense review of our own systems, connections, and relationships.
"While the district runs its own inquiry and local court proceedings ensue, I ask for the Danville Schools family to keep those directly impacted in your thoughts and protected by your respect for their privacy.
"If you have information that may aid the investigation of the Danville Police Department ((859) 238-1224), please contact them directly. Any other questions may be directed to me. I may not have the answers, but promise to listen.
"We lift as we climb,
Keith Look, Ed.D."
This story was originally published October 27, 2015 at 10:10 AM with the headline "Danville school volunteer, church youth director charged after texting messages, photos to teens."