Officials say case against ex-Springfield school employee is open despite dismissal

The case against a former Springfield school technology employee accused of inappropriately touching female students at school was dismissed last week, but prosecutors say they still may seek an indictment next month.

Jordan Pennington, 33, was charged in Clark County Municipal Court with gross sexual imposition. The case was dismissed without prejudice after a preliminary hearing.

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“The case is still open and ongoing,” said Clark County Assistant Prosecutor Andrew Picek. “We were not prepared to present the case to a grand jury last Monday, so rather than continue the case in municipal court, the judge dismissed the case without prejudice. As Mr. Pennington was already released on bond, there was no practical effect from the dismissal.”

READ MORE: Clark County Municipal Court cases

The office plans to take the charges to a grand jury next month, Picek said.

Pennington’s defense lawyer, James Owen, did not respond to phone calls seeking comment.

Court documents say Pennington is accused of touching the girls at school, and a Springfield police report gives the address of the incident as Warder Park-Wayne Elementary School. The report also says, “The (defendant) placed his hand on the side of the child … at two different school locations.”

Police began their investigation when they were contacted by Children services, according to an affidavit.

“Upon learning of the allegations, the district immediately placed the employee on paid administrative leave and conducted a formal investigation into these concerns,” Springfield City School District said in a statement.

MORE: Court date set in case against Ex-Springfield school employee

Pennington resigned before a scheduled termination hearing, Springfield City Schools spokeswoman Cherie Moore said.

The incidents were reported to have happened in January and February, according to the court records.

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