Principal impeded rape inquiry at Nova, cops say

The principal of Nova High School interfered with an investigation into an alleged rape involving minors on his campus by interviewing the alleged offender before police could, officials said.

“While our detectives were investigating, the principal took actions that impeded our investigation,” said Davie Police Capt. Dale Engle. “We are continuing our investigation of the actions of the principal to see if they rise to the level that would require criminal charges.”

Davie police arrested a teenage boy Thursday on suspicion of committing sexual battery at the school. The boy’s lawyer said his client did not commit rape.

The principal, John LaCasse, was just doing his job, a spokeswoman for his professional organization said.

“They screamed and yelled at Principal LaCasse in front of his staff and threatened to have him arrested,” said Lisa Maxwell, executive director of the Broward Principals and Assistants Association, which has 530 members.

LaCasse could not be reached for comment. Maxwell said she was speaking on LaCasse’s behalf and called him an award-winning principal who is well-respected.

“The principal is required by law to investigate violations of school board policy, violations of state law, any allegation of wrongdoing or abuse of a child, and to notify the parents and Florida Department of Children and

Family Services,” Maxwell said. “He’s required to take a statement from the boy.”

LaCasse gave police a written report of his interview with the alleged offender; when the principal declined to talk with police, they were angry, Maxwell said.

“John didn’t give him a verbal statement and turned over a written statement, which is more appropriate and is evidence,” Maxwell said.

Engle said sometimes a detective will want to investigate further.

“If you’re willing to write down what happened, I may have additional questions to clarify information,” Engle said. “I can’t get that information from a piece of paper.”

She said Davie police also wanted to interview the teenager without his parents there.

“The law says we can interview the child without the parents being present,” Engle said. “But we always try to get a hold of the parents and in this case, the school notified the parents before we could.”

The alleged sexual battery happened in February on the grounds of the school, Engle said.

It was reported Thursday to a school resource officer who is also a Davie police officer, and the teenager was taken into custody, Engle said.

Because of their ages and the nature of the offense, the Sun Sentinel is not naming the teen who was arrested or his accuser.

Attorney Johnny McCray Jr. is representing the teenage boy. At the teen’s court hearing Friday, he was ordered to remain in custody at a county juvenile center, McCray said.

The teen could be held there for up to 21 days while the state attorney’s office decides whether to file charges, and if so, whether to charge him as an adult.

“He did not commit sexual battery against this young lady, his accuser,” McCray said. “There was no rape.”

McCray said of his client, “If charges are filed, we are going to defend this young man’s stellar reputation. He’s never been in trouble before and has no criminal history.”

He said the teenager was “coping” while in custody. “He’s doing as best as can be,” McCray said. “He’s not accustomed to loss of liberty.”

LaCasse was not arrested or charged with any offense. The principal, who has been at the school 17 years, is expected to retire within the next two years or so, Maxwell said.

Tracy Clark, chief public information officer for Broward County Public Schools, said in an email Friday that the district “takes all matters regarding student safety very seriously. District administration and the district’s special investigative unit are cooperating with local law enforcement regarding their investigation.”