Austin, TX – A Leander Independent School District (LISD) transportation employee, Steven Wade Lackey, has been arrested after allegations of indecency with a child surfaced. The 70-year-old man was taken into custody by the Cedar Park Police Department (CPPD) on Tuesday, October 10, facing two counts of child indecency.
Investigation and Arrest
According to police reports, the Cedar Park Police Department received the initial complaint regarding Lackey’s alleged conduct on October 8. The Special Victims Unit of the police department was immediately assigned to the case and initiated an investigation. The investigation led to the issuance of an arrest warrant for Lackey, and he was subsequently booked into the Williamson County Jail.
At the time of reporting, no attorney information for Lackey was available, and the police department has stated that further updates will be provided if that changes.
LISD’s Response to the Allegations
Leander Independent School District was quick to respond to the allegations and the arrest. A district spokesperson confirmed that they were aware of Lackey’s arrest. The district acted swiftly by sending out emails to the families of the students who were on Lackey’s former bus route. The email sent by the LISD transportation director mentioned that the district had reviewed evidence suggesting potential inappropriate conduct by Lackey toward students on one of the district’s buses.
The email, which was sent on Friday, October 9, also outlined that LISD Police Department had conducted an internal review after the allegations were raised. The district confirmed that the review revealed serious violations of district policy, which led to Lackey’s termination on Friday morning.
Details of the Allegation
According to the Cedar Park Police Department, Lackey’s alleged actions occurred while he was performing his duties as a bus monitor for LISD. The nature of the specific allegations has not been disclosed publicly, but the district and law enforcement have emphasized the seriousness of the charges. The police department’s swift response and subsequent arrest underline the severity of the claims.
The LISD spokesperson further stated that the safety and well-being of the students are of utmost importance to the district, and appropriate action is being taken to ensure that such incidents do not occur again. The district has communicated that they are working closely with authorities throughout the ongoing investigation.
Community Reactions and Next Steps
In the wake of the arrest, LISD has assured parents and guardians that they are taking all necessary precautions to ensure student safety on their buses. Emails were sent to the families of the affected students, with updates regarding the case and the district’s actions.
The district also emphasized that it has a zero-tolerance policy for any violations of student safety and is committed to keeping the community informed as more information becomes available.
This incident has sparked concerns within the Cedar Park community, with many parents and residents expressing their shock and disbelief at the allegations. Some parents have taken to social media to voice their concerns, calling for increased transparency and accountability within the district and on school transportation services.
As the investigation continues, both the Cedar Park Police Department and LISD have pledged full cooperation with authorities. Further updates on the case, including potential additional charges or findings, are expected as the investigation unfolds.
Call to Action
What are your thoughts on this troubling case? Share your opinions in the comments below.
