Alleged Child Sexual Assault at Shoreline CC May Have Been Imagined

A reported child sexual assault at the Shoreline Community College Parent Child Center may have been imagined by the child.

The parents of the pre-school–aged child told college officials today, Saturday, Nov. 12, 2011, that their child said the man in her story was “not real.” In the initial report from the parents, the child wasn’t specific other than inappropriate touching may have taken place, didn’t describe the person other than to say it was a man and didn’t say when it may have occurred.

Based on that and other comments by their child, along with discussions with college officials, the parents said they would not at this time continue with a report filed with Shoreline Police. They also told college officials they intend to keep their child enrolled at the center.

After hearing the report from the parents late Thursday, Nov. 10, 2011, college officials had quickly notified state Child Protective Services, which has enforcement duties, and the state Department of Early Learning, which licenses the center. College officials are communicating with those agencies and will continue to cooperate with any follow-up investigation that may occur.

“The college is obligated to notify when reports such this one are received, regardless of the validity or outcome,” college spokesman Jim Hills said. “More than an obligation, it is just the right thing to do. Our first concern is the safety and well-being of the children.”

Information supplied by Shoreline Community College.