Updated
By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
CHEHALIS – The 36-year-old Chehalis man accused of hugging a 9-year-old year-old female student in an inappropriate manner went before a judge today where a prosecutor asked the charge of fourth-degree assault be modified to include a special allegation it occurred “with sexual motivation.”
James Denning was arrested yesterday and booked into the Lewis County Jail but was released prior to today’s hearing in Chehalis Municipal Court.
Chehalis police yesterday said the arrest followed an investigation of a March 14 report from staff at R.E. Bennett Elementary School on South Market Boulevard in Chehalis. Deputy Chief Randy Kaut said Denning was not a teacher, but was an employee who helped at recess.
The Chehalis School DIstrict announced on its web site Denning was a temporary playground assistant. He was placed on paid administrative leave March 14 pending further investigation and has resigned.
Assault in the fourth degree is a gross misdemeanor.
School authorities offered a small amount of detail on the incident.
“The school district has been asked if it is against school policy for employees to hug students,” the web site message stated. “The answer is: no, it is not generally inappropriate for employees to hug students. But, this case involved an allegation of an extended hug that went past the time when the student communicated a wish to break the contact.”
The court hearing was brief and Denning requested a court-appointed lawyer.
He said his next hearing is April 20.
Tags: By Sharyn L. Decker, news reporter
The Sex Offender Parinoia police have won their battle, any form of comfort is now taken as a bad touch. If the guy gets convicted he will face a life time of guilt and shame all at the expense of the Boogy Man Sex offender Laws. It looks like robots are better off as teachers for harm reduction and citizen protection against Sex offender laws. When the prosecutor adds the sexual intent charge you know hes out to get your face on the registry. Heck anyone can say I was diddled but can they prove it without a resonable doubt. I doubt it. But when your facing 20 years to life even a plea bargin looks good to the innocent. Especialy how society acts even over an unjust accusation. This could happen to anyone in the Modern Day sex offender witch hunt atmosphere. The bad man gave me a hug call the police theres a Chimo on the loose. Lock your doors lock your windows search the registry looking at mug shots keeps the community safe… This is just a modern day witch hunt.
Blee Bloo – an official “no touching” policy?
So when the kid skins his knee and comes to the playground duty person, that person cannot place a band aid, provide solace and comfort with a hug? If that becomes the norm, I’ll keep my kids home.
Ooops on me. I just re-read the article and the school does not have a policy against hugs. The issue here seems to be how long the hug lasted….yikes that is really difficult to prove I would think unless the child was screaming “let me go” etc.
Bleebloo it does say the school has a no hug policy. However when dealing with kids they are spontaneous with their affection such as hugs. Tickling may be the cross over but we all need to wait for the complete facts to come to light.
Violation of a policy certainly does not need to result in an arrest.
Lucy Bates,
So it may not be the hug that is being called into question here, it may be the tickle. However, I still say LET THE FACTS COME OUT BEFORE PASSING JUDGEMENT!!!!!!!!
@R – there’s a video where it shows the girl running up to the guy, she hugs him,he hugs her back and tickles her for a second…. Totally innocent
An official no-touching policy would have prevented this.
I agree…if it is proven he had sexual intent then off to the slammer he should go. However, if the hug was appropriate and just against school policy that is different. I am not trying to say any claims by the 9 year old are false.
There have been similar cases where people dressed up in bulky character costumes hugged kids and then claims were made of inappropriate touching. I have worm Santa and easter bunny suits as well as dressing up like Blues Clues once for an adoption fair and I can tell you that with those furry mitts on you can’t feel where your hands are even resting.
Let’s see what the facts are in this case before we hang him from the nearest light pole.
Did the 9 year old girl say something to someone? Or did another employee take it upon themself to possibly obliterate some guys life? Was this preventative? Did he totally fondle her? Did he just linger? Or is it just flat out a crime for an adult to hug a child? Please give more information….
I know it’s inappropriate to hug a child, but there are extenuating circumstances.
I hope that the community doesn’t get too excited about this until all the facts come out. If his intent was to sexually harm or assault the child in any way then he needs to be sent to prison. However, He deserves the opportunity to let his side be told as well. This is a little too early to start casting judgement upon this man.