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Grandmother urges action after child sexual assault investigation; commissioners pledge follow-up
Summary
A Pittsburg grandmother described an alleged sexual assault of her 7-year-old grandson, said she felt state investigators declined to press charges, and asked the commission for help; a commissioner offered to contact the Children's Advocacy Center board on the family's behalf.
During the public comment period on Sept. 9, Tammy Galloway addressed the commission about an alleged sexual assault involving her 7-year-old grandson. She said the incident occurred July 2 in Frontenac and that she and the family had pursued investigation with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and other state agencies.
Galloway said she was frustrated that, after what she described as lengthy contact with agencies, the KBI advised the family that no charges would be filed and that she had not received follow-up from the Children's Advocacy Center or the Department for Children and Families. She asked the commission for guidance on where to turn for assistance.
Commissioner Stu (name used in transcript) said he would contact board members of the regional Children's Advocacy Center and try to help arrange a follow-up. Other commissioners and staff offered to connect Galloway with contacts and encouraged her to provide sign-in information so staff could follow up directly.
No formal action was taken by the commission at the hearing. Several commissioners described the case as an outrage and expressed sympathy for the family; staff indicated they would help the family make contact with the appropriate advocacy agencies and board members.
Careful wording
Transcript speakers discussed sensitive allegations involving minors. This report limits detail to the complainant's statements recorded at the public meeting and does not summarize or allege findings of criminal or civil liability. No charge filings or court outcomes were reported at the meeting.
Next steps
Commissioner Stu said he would contact the Children's Advocacy Center board; staff asked Galloway to provide contact information to facilitate the outreach.
Formal action on the case would be the responsibility of law-enforcement and child-welfare agencies, not the commission. The commission directed no investigation and made no formal referral at the Sept. 9 meeting.
