Blown out of proportion

That is what family members and friends of the two accused maintenance workers are saying about an incident that has received massive attention in the media. Last Friday, The Link News received an e-mail from a parent who alleged that two employees of the Long Branch Public Schools had tied up and gagged four elementary students at the Gregory School.

As of Monday night, neither the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office nor the Long Branch Police have arrested or charged the two individuals of any criminal act. While law enforcement is conducting the investigation the school district suspended the two accused men with pay.

Close friends of the two accused men, whose identity has not been released by law enforcement or the district, are saying they are feeling terrible of what has taken place. The two men, according to those sources, are hardworking, dedicated and trustworthy. They feel horrible that people are accusing them of harming children.

Many supporters of the accused men want the general public to know that they live and work in the community and have been trusted members and volunteers for decades. The two employees have never been accused of any wrong doing and are sick that people think they would harm children.

Michael Salvatore, Superintendent of Schools in Long Branch, stated that if district policy and common sense was followed the incident would never have occurred. The bathroom should have been placed out of service while the men were working.

It appears that the two employees were guilty of poor judgment, but nothing more.

They also say that when the children left the bathroom they were laughing and never showed signs of distress. In fact they returned to the bathroom during the next period to joke with the men.

It’s important to note that the district reported that all four students were in school today.