(Updated) Akwesasne, NY- Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Police have confirmed that on July 12, 2016, shortly after arrest warrants for Kimberly A. Moffit, 45, and Melissa S. Dunkelburg, 33, former teachers at the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe- Early Childhood Development Program, both women turned themselves in to the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Police.
Both were terminated in May of 2016 following an internal program investigation of alleged child endangerment concerns. Ms. Moffitt is wanted for 7 counts of endangering the welfare of a child, and one count of harassment, 2nd. Ms. Dunkelburg is wanted for 12 counts of endangering the welfare of a child, and one count of harassment, 2nd.
According to sources within the department, a written complaint was turned in by concerned ECDP (Early Childhood Development Program) staff members over an alleged incident, and appropriate action was immediately taken. The SRMT Early Childhood Development Program continues to strive to educate children in the most respectful, nurturing and safe way that they can.
SRMT Director of Communications, Brendan White, has clarified that this information was not formally released to the community of Akwesasne sooner due to the internal investigation as well as the open police investigation, which have now both concluded. The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe issued a press statement on July 12, 2016, revealing that the Tribe’s Education Division is enforcing their ‘Zero-Tolerance’ Policy.
A meeting will be held with the ECDP staff on July 14th, 2016, at 5:15PM at the ECDP Facility, located behind the Akwesasne Library and Cultural Center, to discuss any concerns, share efforts, and answer any questions concerned parents and guardians may have.
ATV will continue to follow this story as more details may be released.
BY: Ohseraséia:hawi
