Ocean Springs Middle not the first school to receive complaints about KeShawn Belcher

OCEAN SPRINGS, Miss. (WLOX) - WLOX News is learning more about the investigation into a substitute teacher accused of inappropriate behavior toward students at Ocean Springs Middle School.

We’ve now confirmed this isn’t the first time a student’s complaint led to 21-year-old KeShawn Belcher being escorted off campus. It happened just a few months ago, when Belcher was working as a substitute at North Gulfport Middle School, which is part of the Harrison County School District.

RELATED: Former Ocean Springs substitute arrested after investigation

School officials confirmed Belcher was working at North Gulfport Middle School on September 2, 2022 and was escorted off campus after a report of alleged inappropriate conduct.

We’ve also learned Belcher worked for the Pascagoula Gautier School District twice this school year as a substitute, in August and September, for a total of five days. The district didn’t have any record of a problem during that time.

RELATED: Former Ocean Springs substitute teacher banned from campuses; OSPD investigating

For now, Belcher is charged with one count of exploitation of a child and one count of lustful touching of a child, but officials say more charges could be on the way.

WLOX reached out to Kelly Education, the educational staffing company who hired Belcher, for comment.

“Kelly Education takes all allegations of inappropriate behavior seriously, with the safety and welfare of our students remaining our top priority,” a representative said. “We are cooperating with law enforcement and working closely with the school to investigate this matter thoroughly. Pending the completion of the investigation, the employee is ineligible for further assignments.

“Prior to employment and assignment, potential candidates undergo background screens in compliance with local, state, and federal laws, including an additional screening through National Sex Offender Registry. Kelly Education is committed to providing a safe and secure learning environment for students and will continue to take all necessary measures to ensure that students are protected. As this is an active investigation, we have no further comment.”

To report any information, please call the Ocean Springs Police Department at 228-875-2211, or Mississippi Coast Crime Stoppers at 877-787-5898.

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