RHODE ISLAND
Providence Journal
By Karen Lee Ziner
Journal Staff Writer Posted Apr. 7, 2016
MIDDLETOWN, R.I. — Saint George’s School placed an administrator on leave in January as an independent investigation into systemic sexual abuse at the elite Episcopal school was getting under way, the school said in a letter to alumni Wednesday. The widening investigation involves allegations against half a dozen former faculty members and several students, largely in the 1970s and ’80s.
The allegations against Bob Weston, current associate head for external affairs, stem from his conduct as a dorm parent in the 1990s, and concern “Mr. Weston observing appropriate boundaries with students,” the letter from Headmaster Eric F. Peterson and Board Chair Leslie B. Heaney says.
The school’s letter, obtained Thursday by The Journal, states, in part:
“As you know, the independent investigation into sexual abuse at St. George’s led by Martin F. Murphy is underway and fully supported by the School. While that inquiry proceeds, we are committed to keeping our community informed on these important matters.”
After the board and the administration received the allegations, “the decision was made to place Mr. Weston on administrative leave pending the results of an investigation, and the appropriate authorities were informed,” the letter states. “Since the independent investigation was beginning at this same time, we asked Mr. Murphy and his team, whose work is ongoing, to include this matter in their inquiry.”
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