Hillcrest principal Ronald Jones released this statement regarding the Tuesday arrest of Juan Clemente Silvas, a 25-year-old counselor that worked at the high school for half a day before he was arrested for a previous sexual assault of a child. Read Jones’s statement below:

Juan Silvas was hired by Academic Success Program (ASP) to fill the vacancy created by Ms. Kanaugi’s departure. Silvas reported to Hillcrest Tuesday and worked alongside ASP’s Chief Operating Officer, Sara Miller, for half a day. He was never alone with any HHS student.

We received a call from an Arlington Police detective late Tuesday informing us of Silvas’ arrest. I met with Miller Wednesday morning to inform her of the developments and to make certain that Silvas would never be back on Hillcrest’s campus. I, along with District personnel, will be meeting with ASP’s leadership to discuss their hiring/screening practices as we move forward. Miller will serve as Hillcrest’s ASP college adviser for the remainder of the school year. ASP has served the students of Hillcrest since 2009 and all previous advisers have been stellar in both character and performance. Please contact me at 214-478-6454 if there are questions. The safety of our students is a paramount.

Sincerely,

Ronald K. Jones