Jackson school board member charged with child abuse

What a shame for this poor child that its Mother has chosen to air the family's dirty laundry in the court system and now the press.

I guess tawdry story will replace the Owen crotch shot story.

It's about time our regional reported this. WLOS had the story two days ago and The Sylva Herald has it in this week's edition. No, this is not petty sensationalism like the Owen story. It is about a serious charge that must be answered by an elected official in Jackson County.

Like Jackson Girl, I have been waiting for the major paper in our region to report this charge against someone elected to public office in our area. Even WLOS got it and had a response from the defense attorney the other night.

LOKEL wrote:

What a shame for this poor child that its Mother has chosen to air the family's dirty laundry in the court system and now the press.
I guess tawdry story will replace the Owen crotch shot story.

In other words, according to your narrow view, it would be better for this girl to suffer in silence. That is what happens too often in these mountains.

The article that the Haywood County court has already ruled that there is not sufficient evidence to proceed .... if it doesn't fly in one county why would it fly in another?

Sounds like the mother is seeking revenge ... by humiliating her x.

Let's see the proof before we try and convict a man of child abuse. The couple is going through a divorce. All types of allegations fly during divorces. Many parents use their children to "hurt" the other spouse. Unfortunately, it is the kids that get hurt in these cases. IF the charge holds up, well then throw him under the bus. I feel sorry for this child. Either way, the child has lost.

This I do know as FACT: Mr. Brooks has an older daughter, a 2008 high school graduate with an overall GPA of 4.5 and was accepted in the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. The young lady was soooooooo excited about getting into her dream school. Now the young lady is attending WCU. Why? Because she said she had too much going on in her life. That she wouldn't be away from home right now. That is was easier for her to attend WCU, that if she went away to Carolina she would, in the end, probably flunk out. So, not only has her little sister suffered, she has as well. It doesn't matter if someone in Haywood County didn't prosecute, a judge in Jackson County may see the situation differently.

I don't know what is going on between Mr. Brooks and his ex-wife, it isn't my concern or my business, but when their actions are affecting their children (or step-children) from excelling and becoming all they can be, that is a problem and it needs to be addressed!

Crazy Comments wrote:

This I do know as FACT: Mr. Brooks has an older daughter, a 2008 high school graduate with an overall GPA of 4.5 and was accepted in the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. The young lady was soooooooo excited about getting into her dream school. Now the young lady is attending WCU. Why? Because she said she had too much going on in her life. That she wouldn't be away from home right now. That is was easier for her to attend WCU, that if she went away to Carolina she would, in the end, probably flunk out. So, not only has her little sister suffered, she has as well. It doesn't matter if someone in Haywood County didn't prosecute, a judge in Jackson County may see the situation differently.
I don't know what is going on between Mr. Brooks and his ex-wife, it isn't my concern or my business, but when their actions are affecting their children (or step-children) from excelling and becoming all they can be, that is a problem and it needs to be addressed!

Judges do not decide whether or not to prosecute .... District Attorneys or Grand Juries do.

Lokel wrote:

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Judges do not decide whether or not to prosecute .... District Attorneys or Grand Juries do.

I know that, I feel that this will go before a judge however. Based on the information I have gotten, this should have happened in Haywood County. Mr. Brooks should not be allowed to use his "title" to help cover up his dirt.

All I know is that two children have been hurt by the Brooks' actions and I think everything should be done to make sure these children are protected.

Guilty until proven innocent?

One of my friends, a great father, was accused of the same by his malicious ex-wife who was trying to gain full custody.

The honorable thing for him to do is resign from the board of education. Even though innocent until proven guilty, it will be a distraction for the board. We think of schools as a place where our children should be safe. He cannot be effective with this black cloud hanging over him.

Since when do we have a right to harm these girls further on this forum? Respect their privacy please. I don't care if you know them or not! Their personal lives should remain just that as much as possible. It is not anyone's place to give information about these children! Geeze!

LOKEL wrote:

What a shame for this poor child that its Mother has chosen to air the family's dirty laundry in the court system and now the press.
I guess tawdry story will replace the Owen crotch shot story.

No, this is not the way it is at all. Anytime an elected school official is charged, the public, including all the concerned parents, have a right and responsiblity to know what the story is. You do not seem to understand that guilty or not, Brooks is now in a position of having to explain his actions to the public. Whatever differences he and his wife might have with each other, if he has taken his anger out on a child then he deserves jail, and the public has the right to know that.

Hmmm...wasn't this the board who Doug Ward out of town for breaking the law. If there is a conviction, will the board members hold themselves to the same standard?

Silverwolf104 wrote:

<quoted text>
No, this is not the way it is at all. Anytime an elected school official is charged, the public, including all the concerned parents, have a right and responsiblity to know what the story is. You do not seem to understand that guilty or not, Brooks is now in a position of having to explain his actions to the public. Whatever differences he and his wife might have with each other, if he has taken his anger out on a child then he deserves jail, and the public has the right to know that.

Children, regardless, should be protected in these cases! Charge the public official, but keep the victim's identity and personal information about them guarded. There is no excuse for this. None!
Not from our court system or from anyone claiming to know them!

standing on the sidelines wrote:

The honorable thing for him to do is resign from the board of education. Even though innocent until proven guilty, it will be a distraction for the board. We think of schools as a place where our children should be safe. He cannot be effective with this black cloud hanging over him.

You are right. Unfortunately cases of this nature involving an office holder do become a distraction and Brooks owes it to the people of Jackson County to step down.

I know this dad. I know the family. He would NEVER hurt his child. If he is found guilty of anything he will resign. Two cases have been dismissed without ANY defense having to be presented. Just trying to embarrass him. SHE left him for another man, he won't take her back.

mustang wrote:

I know this dad. I know the family. He would NEVER hurt his child. If he is found guilty of anything he will resign. Two cases have been dismissed without ANY defense having to be presented. Just trying to embarrass him. SHE left him for another man, he won't take her back.

Maybe you know him but it seems not known good enough, I don't care s who you are when you strike a child you're wothless,do you know the home life behind the door. He should resign and leave town who cares about the other man, no matter what the deal is with the wifeeeee.

Every day I see things like this. Couple split up, one or the other or both is bitter. They use the kids as a weapon against the other. They make up stories and take out 50B restraining orders to prevent the other from seeing the children. What they don't realize that it's the children that is hurt the most.

Carolinakat wrote:

Every day I see things like this. Couple split up, one or the other or both is bitter. They use the kids as a weapon against the other. They make up stories and take out 50B restraining orders to prevent the other from seeing the children. What they don't realize that it's the children that is hurt the most.

That's for sure and it's not going to stop until our court systems start holding the false accusers accountable (and I do mean slapping some hefty criminal charges on them!). Talk about abuse!