Cody police and school officials say they’re continuing to investigate a late October report that a student at Livingston Elementary School was physically and sexually abused by other students.

Park County School District 6 Superintendent Vernon Orndorff said Tuesday that there are three ongoing investigations into the matter: a Cody police investigation, an internal investigation being conducted by the school district, and another led by a Wyoming-based private investigator that’s been contracted by the district in compliance with federal Title IX policy.

The student’s father has told the Cody Enterprise that his child was attacked by seven students in a Livingston bathroom. Since reporting the allegations to Cody police on Oct. 26, the unidentified father of the alleged victim has made multiple comments to the Enterprise criticizing how the district and police department have handled the matter. He has accused school officials of trying to “sweep it under the rug” and police of failing to properly investigate the report.

On Tuesday, however, the school district issued a press release outlining what it described as “swift and comprehensive action” taken in response to the allegations.

Orndorff told the Tribune that the district “put
procedures into place” after being notified of the report.

“We take this matter very seriously and we’re going to follow the process,” he said. “The safety and security of our students and employees are the No. 1 priority.”

Orndorff said the district’s process has followed state and federal law, and officials have been working closely with their attorney, Alexandria Zafonte of Riverton. He said the Wyoming Department of Family Services was also promptly notified of the allegations. 

Meanwhile, Cody Police Chief Jason Stafford said Wednesday that he believed his department is “getting pretty close” to completing its investigation.

“We’re reviewing digital evidence, mostly video, and that’s some time-consuming stuff,” Stafford said. “We’re still investigating and plugging away doing that right now.”

As for the charge that the department has failed to investigate the matter, Stafford said that “we’ve received the case and have been investigating it since it was reported to us with due diligence. So I don't understand the criticism.”

Wyoming law restricts the public release of information related to minors and of criminal investigations involving allegations of sexual crimes; the Cody school district’s news release said the “gravity of these allegations and the need for discretion” prevent it from releasing further details at this time.

Orndorff said students can seek assistance through the school counseling office, and concerned parents and community members can contact his office.

“Our Livingston teachers, employees, and principal are doing a great job,” he said. For example, Orndorff said school leaders sat down and reviewed their safety protocols after the allegations were reported.

“They’re doing what they need to do to encourage a safe culture at Livingston,” he said.

The district said it’s “committed to keeping families, staff and the community informed as new information becomes available.”

— CJ Baker provided reporting