A shocking incident unfolded on Thanksgiving night at Windmill Point Elementary School, where authorities discovered Joe Urias, a teacher, naked inside the school with various items including sex toys, marijuana, and women's underwear. The sequence of events began when police responded to reports of potential burglary at the K-5 school around 9:30 PM.
The deputy who arrived at the scene reported seeing Urias unclothed. Upon noticing the deputy, Urias quickly dressed, attempted to flee, and allegedly punched the officer in the face during his escape attempt. Despite this, law enforcement managed to apprehend him before any significant getaway.
Back at the classroom, police found more than just Urias. Evidence suggested he had been living there, as they uncovered marijuana, sex toys, and even created makeshift sleeping arrangements within the classroom. This shocking discovery raised many eyebrows, prompting questions about how Urias, who taught at the nearby Somerset College Preparatory Academy, ended up there.
The police chief, Leo Niemczyk, later indicated Urias claimed to be homeless and may have intended to spend the holiday at the school, leading to concerns about his intentions and well-being as his reasons for being there remained murky.
This incident has raised significant issues surrounding the safety and hiring practices at the charter school attended by Urias. Records reveal troubling patterns, as multiple current and former staff members faced serious legal problems, including DUI and battery charges. Parents and community members are now demanding answers about how these incidents could occur and what steps will be taken moving forward. Somerset College Preparatory Academy released a statement indicating awareness of the allegations against Urias, who is no longer employed there. They emphasized their commitment to safety, mentioning thorough background checks for all prospective hires.
While the community is still reeling from the incident, Urias is now facing serious charges, including burglary, possession of marijuana, battery on law enforcement, and lewd and lascivious behavior, maintaining his stay inside the school significantly blurring the lines of acceptable behavior, especially for someone entrusted with working around children.
This incident serves as yet another reminder of the significant problems within certain educational institutions, where incidents of misconduct by faculty challenge the very essence of trust parents place with schools. How this will affect future hiring practices and the trust of the community, remains to be seen.