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The mother of a 10-year-old fifth grader at Nash Elementary school is very upset at KUSD leadership and only came to KCE to tell her story after weeks of KUSD “dragging their feet.” A 12-year-old boy and a 10-year-old boy have both been investigated by Kenosha Police and one count of Second Degree Sexual assault has been referred to the Kenosha County District Attorney’s Office for both boys for prosecution. KCE is told that charges are expected in the coming days. The incident allegedly occurred on October 17, 2024.

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The victim, “Mikayla,” texted her mother from the school bus on the way home from NASH elementary School, telling her mother that she was “sexually assaulted by two kids.” Mikayla’s mother called police and within five minutes a Kenosha Police Officer took the report and forwarded it to Kenosha Police’s sensitive crimes division. A Kenosha police detective investigated. The 10-year-old suspect, “Jesse” told police he had a “bad urge to touch Mikayla.” His 12-year old friend, “Damion” was with him. Damion told police that Jesse fondled Mikayla’s breasts for “about 10 seconds.” Damion was alleged to have caressed Mikayla’s butt and vagina. Jesse told police that “[Damion] wasn’t going to stop.” One of Mikayla’s best friends intervened and grabbed Jesse and body-slammed him to the ground. Mikayla was seen by her friend in the fetal position. There were many witnesses to the disturbance, and at least two witnesses to the alleged sexual assault.

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Damion has already been on KUSD’s radar. On September 13, 2024, it was reported that Damion threatened to shoot up the school. A teacher came forward with the allegation and KPD investigated. There is a set criteria that KPD uses to check for the seriousness of threats and it was determined Damion had no access to weapons. An informational report was written as to document the threat.

Bill Haithcock, who makes more than $177,000, is KUSD’s Chief of School Leadership. He was tasked to investigate the incident as a title IX complaint. Mikayla mother told KCE that on her daughter’s paperwork, almost all of the information was wrong. Haithcock used the sexual harassment form and not the sexual assault form. He used the wrong prefix for the mother, spelled her first name incorrectly and wrote the wrong last name. Mikayla’s name was written incorrectly and Haithcock inaccurately wrote that Mikayla had a IEP plan; she doesn’t. He told the mother that he “used the wrong form” and asked for the paperwork back.

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Haithcock told Mikayla’s mother “I can’t deny these kids an education, so they will stay at school.” Mikayla has now been too terrified to attend school since October 21, 2024. Haithcock won’t remove the suspects from the school. He did offer some “supportive measures” that Mikayla’s mother said aren’t even remotely supportive.

For example: Haitcock offered assigned seats on the bus without knowing that assigned seats were in place at the time of the alleged sexual assaults. He offered supervised lunch and recess, and Mikayla’s mother thought “Aren’t fifth graders supposed to be supervised anyway?” The fourth measure was to move Damion out of Mikayla’s homeroom. He is still in the same homeroom, according to Mikayla’s mother.

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For the title IX complaint, Mikayla’s mother was just contacted today to be interviewed. The KUSD employee told her that she had the wrong number and instead, repeatedly called distant family members by mistake.

Mikayla was very excited to start Drama Club this year but is missing it becuase she can’t go to school. “Kenosha Police and Principal Basley handled this incident very well. KPD has given us access to many resources,” said Mikayla’s mother. ” Unfortunately KUSD is dragging their feet and my daughter is being denied access to education.”

KCE reached out to KUSD and their Chief Communications Officer, Tanya Ruder told us in a statement:

“Student and staff safety is our top priority, and we take all reports related to these matters very seriously. In this particular case, there may have been a misunderstanding or miscommunication, but I assure you we are thoroughly investigating. This incident falls under Title IX, requiring a collaborative approach with law enforcement. When we refer a case to law enforcement, our investigation temporarily pauses to allow their investigation to take place. Once they conclude, they share their findings, and we proceed to finalize our investigation.

Title IX has specific timelines we adhere to, and our law enforcement partners are aware of these requirements, ensuring a coordinated approach. We are committed to a process that respects both legal and procedural standards and will continue to prioritize safety in all matters.”

The KPD investigation is now complete, pending further evidence and each student is facing up to 40 years in the Wisconsin Prison System if convicted as adults.