GARLAND – By Cari Doutre, Headliner Publisher, October 17, 2022
A third-grade teacher at Garland Elementary School was arrested on Monday following a report of child abuse involving that teacher, Patrick Green, 60, and a juvenile student. The Tremonton Garland Police Department received that report on September 9, 2022, just 10 days into the new school year.
Green was placed on administrative leave for five weeks “to ensure the safety and well-being of our students,” as stated in an email sent Monday afternoon to parents/guardians of students at Garland Elementary. A copy of that email in full can be found below.
“As per state law and district policy regarding suspected child abuse, DCFS was contacted and the investigation was turned over to the proper authorities to engage in a thorough investigation by law enforcement,” the email added.
During that investigation conducted by the Tremonton Garland Police Department, two separate victims disclosed inappropriate sexual touching and abuse from Green. Based on the evidence investigators found and victim statements, Green was placed under arrest and booked into the Box Elder County Jail on October 17.
After investigation efforts confirmed that improper conduct took place, Box Elder School District terminated Green’s employment with the school district. A replacement teacher for Green was hired during the investigation and will continue teaching that class for the remainder of the school year.
Green’s conduct was reported to the State Board of Education and Utah Professional Practices Advisory Commission as required per state code.
“This was the first report received by the school district of sexual abuse involving Mr. Green,” the email adds.
The Tremonton Garland Police Department expect more victims to come forward.
School authorities are asking parents that if they become aware of additional and pertinent information regarding this case that it be reported directly to the Tremonton Garland Police Department at: (435) 257-7577 or (435) 257-3131
“It remains a priority at Garland Elementary to ensure the safety of our students. We will continue to support students and teachers through this difficult time,” school officials stated.
Further information and details into this case, including if any formal charges have been filed against Green, have not been released by investigators as of Monday night.
Additional information will be posted by BRVNEWS.com as it becomes available.
Email sent to student's parents/guardians at Garland Elementary on October 17, 2022:
Dear Garland Elementary Parents and Families,
As many of you may have been aware, Box Elder School District (BESD) received a report of employee misconduct by Mr. Patrick Green on September 9, 2022. Immediate action was taken to ensure the safety and well-being of our students and Mr. Green was placed on administrative leave.
Per state law and district policy regarding suspected child abuse, DCFS was contacted and the investigation was turned over to the proper authorities to engage in a thorough investigation by law enforcement. For the past five weeks, Mr. Green has remained on administrative leave while BESD cooperated with the investigation held by Tremonton/Garland Police Department. As a result of the confirmation of improper conduct by the Police Department, BESD administration terminated employment of the teacher involved. This was the first report received by the school or district of sexual abuse involving Mr. Green.
Pursuant to State Code, Mr. Green's conduct has been reported to the State Board of Education and Utah Professional Practices Advisory Commission (UPPAC). It remains a priority at Garland Elementary to ensure the safety of our students. We will continue to support students and teachers through this difficult time. A replacement teacher was hired during the investigation and will continue as the teacher of record through the end of the school year.
We would like to recommend that if parents become aware of additional, pertinent information regarding this case, that it be reported directly to the Tremonton/Garland Police Department at 435-257-7577 or 435-257-3131.
Thank you,
Mark Johnson, Principal of Garland Elementary
Steve Carlsen, Superintendent of Box Elder School District
Keith Mecham, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources
Heidi Jo West, Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Schools