The Tacoma School Board Thursday fired a Stadium High School security officer who is facing accusations that he had illegal sexual contact with two students.
The school district decided to take action after Donte D. Lipscomb, 31, waived his opportunity to provide additional information to the school district, Tacoma Public Schools attorney Shannon McMinimee said.
Lipscomb pleaded not guilty Jan. 30 in Pierce County Superior Court to four counts of first-degree sexual misconduct with a minor. His defense attorney, Desmond Kolke, said then that Lipscomb denied the charges and intended to fight them.
Lipscomb was released from jail Feb. 2 after posting a $50,000 bail bond.
McMinimee said Lipscomb failed to show up for one meeting with district officials last week and waived his right to a second meeting earlier this week.
“So the district moved forward based on the evidence it had,” McMinimee said.
Tacoma Public Schools spokesman Dan Voelpel said Lipscomb was placed on unpaid leave Monday. Superintendent Carla Santorno recommended to the school board that Lipscomb’s employment be terminated.
Kolke said he could not comment on the employment action because he is not representing Lipscomb on that matter. He referred questions to Lipscomb’s union attorney, who could not be reached for comment.
Debbie Cafazzo: 253-597-8635
debbie.cafazzo@thenewstribune.com
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