Loudoun County Public Schools avoids questions after teacher charged with sex crime

LOUDOUN COUNTY, Va. (7News) — At least three current or former Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) employees have been charged with crimes.

A former cafeteria employee allegedly assaulted a student during lunch period last October at Frederick Douglass Elementary School, according to the Leesburg Police Department.

Plus, a former LCPS substitute teacher is charged with multiple counts relating to the possession and production of child sexual abuse material. Fairfax County detectives began investigating William Riddell after it was reported he may have had an inappropriate sexual relationship with a minor in Fairfax County. He was arrested in Kansas. FCPD said Riddell privately taught as a music teacher in the Chantilly area and was also employed with LCPS between 2008 and 2013.

Heritage High School teacher William Smallwood is suspended without pay after being arrested and charged with soliciting a child under the age of 15 online.

That alleged crime happened in July. The Heritage High School principal said LCPS was notified in August about the investigation by officials in Frederick County.

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But it’s unclear if LCPS notified parents about the investigation eight months ago or if they waited until this week.

This week, 7News sent emails to LCPS asking:

• Does LCPS have plans to address all staff about ensuring student safety?
• When was the cafeteria employee removed from school; if parents were notified and when?
• When was the first time Loudoun County Public Schools notified parents at Heritage High School that William Cody Smallwood was accused of soliciting a child? Was the first notice sent to parents on Monday? Did LCPS send a notice to parents eight months ago when LCPS learned of the investigation?
• Are there other LCPS employees who are being investigated or charged for crimes and LCPS has not yet notified families?

LCPS has not responded to 7News’ emailed questions.

On Friday, 7News visited the school administration building in Ashburn asking to interview Superintendent Aaron Spence, but neither Spence nor anyone else from LCPS’s communications office came down to answer 7News’ questions.