School investigation complete

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

— The Gentry Police Department has concluded its investigation concerning allegations of abuse on the part of a Gentry Middle School coach and teacher, according to a press release from Gentry Police Chief Keith Smith.

“The investigation centeredaround Blake Daniel Rhein, age 23, of Gentry, a middle school physical education and health teacher/high school boys’ head soccer coach, after allegations of physical abuse against several male and female students were brought to police by a concerned parent,” the release states.

The ages of the students involved are between 11 and 16, according to the release.

“Police believe the bulk of the allegations were contained within the physical education portion of instruction, being held in the gymnasium,” the release states. “During the course of the investiga-tion, at least 17 students were identified as possible victims. Investigators conducted approximately 30 interviews involving middle school students, parents and certain other school employees. All information gathered during the investigation has been turned over to the [Benton County] Prosecuting Attorney's Office. TheProsecutor will be tasked with determining if there is sufficient evidence to warrant criminal charge(s) against Rhein for abuse. The Prosecutor will also be looking into the information to determine if any other school official(s) violated Arkansas' mandated reporting law or any other laws. Failure to report abuse is a Class A misdemeanor and is punishable with a fine of up to $1,000.00 and/or up to one year in jail.

“Due to the large volumeof information gathered, it may be another three to four weeks before the prosecutor makes any decisions on potential charges, or who may face charges, as a result of the investigation,” the release states.

Other agencies involved in the investigation are the Arkansas Department of Human Services, Children's Advocacy Center, Arkansas State Police-Crimes Against Children Unit and the Benton County Prosecutor's Office.

News, Pages 1 on 06/13/2012