Winfield A. “Tripp” Becker, the Hopewell Valley Regional School District’s athletic director, has been placed on a leave of absence after he was charged with loitering, prowling at night and summary harassment for allegedly peering into the window of a young girl at her home, according to published reports on CentralBucksNews.com and trentonian.com.
Police officers in Plumstead Township, Pa. were sent to the victim’s home on Aug. 6 around 10:40 p.m. for a report of a man peering into the girl’s window. The suspect, identified as Becker, lives near the victim. The homeowner’s surveillance video caught the incident, which resulted in identification of the suspect, published reports said.
Superintendent of Schools Rosetta Treece sent a letter to district families that stated the incident occurred outside of the school grounds and did not involve a Hopewell Valley Regional School District student, published reports said.
“The allegations against this individual do not involve conduct within the district and are not related to any district students,” according to the letter.
“In keeping with Board of Education policy, the employee will be on a leave of absence and will not be permitted on school property pending the outcome of the investigation. The employee is entitled to a presumption of innocence, pending final resolution of the charges,” the letter said.
The school district places the safety of students and staff above all else and will fully cooperate with law enforcement, the letter said. The district is attempting to find “secure temporary staffing” for the position during the investigation, the letter said.
