– Sex Offender at Elementary School Event
– Crane Elementary School Incident with Convicted Sex Offender.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
CRANE, Texas (KMID/KPEJ) – Recent reports confirm that a convicted sex offender, Jimmy Joe Martinez, was allowed to attend an on-campus event at Crane Elementary School. This decision was made in accordance with a policy set by the school district and approved by Superintendent Dave Lewis.
Martinez, who is married to the school’s principal, Tracie Payan, was convicted of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl in 2005 in Rankin/Upton County. He served 7 years of probation and community supervision for this crime. According to the Texas sex offender database, Martinez is registered as a lifetime convicted sex offender and is classified as a Level 2 (moderate) offender, indicating a moderate level of danger and potential for engaging in further criminal sexual conduct.
Following a complaint from a concerned parent, ABC Big 2 News reached out to Superintendent Dave Lewis for clarification. The parent expressed worry about Martinez’s presence on campus, stating that it put their children and others at risk.
In response, Lewis explained that Crane ISD deals with sex offenders on a case-by-case basis, with any visit requiring his approval. Martinez was accompanied by an escort during his recent visit to the school for an event.
According to Lewis, “Parents who attend events on District campuses that are not open to the public must register through the District’s Raptor program before entering. If a parent is a registered sex offender, procedures are followed to ensure the safety of students, staff, and other attendees.”
Despite multiple attempts to reach Principal Payan for comment, she did not respond. However, photos and videos of Payan with Martinez, including images of Martinez with their children, were swiftly removed from her personal Facebook page after inquiries were made.
The school district’s policy on sex offenders has raised concerns among some parents, including the individual who contacted ABC Big 2 News. The Crane ISD Employee Handbook outlines protocols for dealing with visitors identified as sex offenders, allowing each campus administration to make decisions on whether to permit their presence on school grounds.
Additionally, the handbook specifies that there may be distance requirements for sex offenders from school premises, with provisions for exemptions under certain circumstances.
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Convicted Sex Offender attends event at Crane Elementary School
District responds to convicted sex offender attending event at Crane Elementary School.
