This story is graphic and contains details related to multiple indecent sexual assaults.
The author and editor of this story have made the editorial decision to not publish the names of the individuals under the age of 18 at the time of the incident who have been clearly identified as committing these acts in this case they were recently formally charged with a crime in South Carolina.
A Baseball Story In The Birthplace Of Little League Baseball
IF NOTHING HAPPENED IN MYRTLE BEACH
WHY WON’T THE WASD TELL US THE STORY?
PART XXX –
“The Beginning of the End is forthcoming.”
By Todd Bartley, TalkWilliamsport.com
News@TalkWilliamsport.com
As part of its ongoing investigation into the “criminal sexual misconduct” incident which occurred during the Williamsport Area High School baseball team trip to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina in the spring of 2018; Right to Know Law requests continue to be made of the WASD by this author.
In recent weeks, ALLEGED PERPETRATOR #1 was charged by South Carolina law enforcement authorities and remains a captain on the Williamsport Area High School baseball team.
Since the first Right to Know Law request was filed in 2018 by this author; the WASD has engaged in very consistent behavior to conceal the existence of “public records”.
Contained within the most recent WASD Right to Know Law responses are disturbing revelations as well as a missing legal services invoice which was “inadvertently left out”; according to Wanda Erb, WASD Open Records Officer.
After the omission was pointed out by this author last evening; the missing legal services invoice was miraculously provided as a “supplement” to the WASD Right to Know Law response this morning.
Let us explore the chronology and connections to those involved in drafting and publishing the “WASD Statement on the Myrtle Beach incident”; which will be proven to be based on the WASD fear of a pending WNEP-TV investigative piece that was set to air in January 2020 and not based on social media posts.
What role did the Little League Baseball, Incorporated chief (legal) counsel which is the same person representing former WAHS baseball coach Ryan Miller play in the release of the statement as well?
The following chronology is based upon information obtained from WASD Right to Know Law responses, previous reports on TalkWilliamsport.com and publicly posted biographical information.
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Dave Bohman is the former investigative reporter at WNEP-TV. He sent the following email including questions regarding the Myrtle Beach incident to WASD Solicitor Fred Holland on January 2, 2020.
“Our Newswatch 16 Investigation is scheduled to run next week, and we would appreciate a prompt response and someone to be designated for an on-camera interview.”
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January 2, 2020, WASD Solicitor Fred Holland billed the WASD for 0.70 hours and a total of $105.00 for a “Telephone conference with D. Bohman, Tim Bowers; emails; Telephone conference with Tom Marshall.
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EDITOR’S NOTE: Tom Marshall is currently representing former WAHS baseball coach Ryan Miller in civil litigation against this author and other defendants.
According to his bio on the McNerney, Page, Vanderlin & Hall website; “Tom serves as General Counsel to Little League Baseball, Incorporated and is the Managing Partner and Chairs both the Commercial Litigation Practice Group and the Oil and Gas Practice Group.”
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When Marshall had the “Telephone conference with Tom Marshall” on January 2, 2020 was he acting on behalf of his client Little League Baseball, Incorporated or former WAHS baseball coach Ryan Miller or both?
Solicitor Fred Holland did not delineate that on the legal services invoice submitted to and paid for by the WASD.
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January 3, 2020, attorney Jeff Rowe billed the WASD for 1.90 hours and a total of $285.00 for
“Telephone conference with Fred Holland, T Bowers, etc; drafted statement;
email to Atty T. Mutchler.
So according to the legal services invoice; did attorney Jeff Rowe draft the initial WASD Statement on the Myrtle Beach incident?
Also, on January 3, 2020, WASD Solicitor Fred Holland billed the WASD for 2.00 hours and a total of $300.00 for a “Telephone conference with Tim Bowers; emails; Review of Bartley Article; draft statement.
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In an undated E-mail WAHS head principal Brandon Pardoe who ran the investigation of the 2018 WAHS baseball team incident in Myrtle Beach sent the following:
From: Brandon Pardoe
To: Roger W. Freed (WAHS principal); Sean McCann (WAHS athletic director)
Subject: WASD Board Meeting
“Sean and Roger,
We have been requested to attend the board meeting on this day and to stay for an exec session with regard to the Myrtle Beach trip. Detective Weber will be present to join the four of us to inform the board about the events and actions of this ongoing topic. Just wanted to let the two of you know ahead of time so you can attend.
Thanks,
BP”
The email appears to have been redacted since no date is actually provided as referenced by Pardoe in the body of the email.
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On January 6, 2020, WASD Solicitor Fred Holland received a call from Dave Bohman and documented it to WASD Superintendent Dr. Timothy Bowers in an email at 5:06 p.m.,
“Bohman also called me, but I am not taking the call.”
There are multiple lines redacted in the email exchange between Dr. Bowers and Holland.
January 6, 2020, WASD Solicitor Fred Holland billed the WASD for 0.30 hours and a total of $45.00 for
“E-mails with D. Bohman.
Bohman received the following response from WASD Solicitor Fred Holland that day at 4:59 p.m.
“Below is the response of the District.
We do not wish to participate in an on-camera interview.
Near the end of the 2017-2018 school year, an incident involving indecent and inappropriate behavior on the part of a baseball player during the team’s spring trip to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina was brought to the attention of District officials by local law enforcement personnel. The information had not previously been reported to any
District administrator or employee. A prompt investigation was done, and appropriate discipline was imposed. Federal educational privacy laws prohibit the District from disclosing any specifics regarding what discipline was imposed and what students were disciplined. Similarly, pursuant to Pennsylvania law, the District cannot reveal any discipline imposed on district employees, short of termination or demotion.
In addition to the District conducting its own investigation, the matter was investigated by outside agencies, specifically the Lycoming County District Attorney’s Office and the authorities in Myrtle Beach. When contacted by Myrtle Beach authorities, the high school principal immediately referred them to the District Attorney’s Office and the school resource officers, who are officers with the Williamsport Bureau of Police. All questions regarding why charges were or were not pursued are more appropriately addressed to those agencies. It should be noted that the District first became aware of this incident after law enforcement had already been contacted.
The District’s investigation was conducted by the high school principal, other administrators, and legal counsel. Once it became clear which students were and were not involved in the incident, it was apparent that the high school principal had no personal conflict of interest. As is the case with every student disciplinary matter of this degree, the District allows legal counsel to be present if a student or a student’s family so desires when that student is being interviewed and when potential disciplinary measures against that student are being discussed. No outside legal counsel was present for any other meetings or interviews.
The District has communicated with families of all students involved with the incident to the full extent they are able while abiding by the restrictions of federal educational privacy laws, which prevent the District from disclosing both the type of discipline imposed and the identity of the students on whom discipline was imposed.
The District understands that these restrictions can be frustrating for parents of other students impacted by such incidents, as well as for the students themselves.
Further, the District worked with the families of involved students to provide the most comfortable and appropriate education setting for the students following this incident, and has at all times endeavored to act in the best interest of the students.
Best regards,
Fred”
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EDITOR’S NOTE: Would Fred Holland characterize “an incident involving indecent and inappropriate behavior on the part of a baseball player during the team’s spring trip to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina”; as such, if he had actually seen the video of the incident in question?
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January 7, 2021 – WASD school board meeting; “PRESENT: Lori A. Baer, Jennifer Lake, Jane L. Penman, Patrick A. Dixon, Star Poole, Barbara D. Reeves, Marc D. Schefsky, Nancy Somers, Adam C. Welteroth.”
ITEMS FROM PUBLIC
“Carlos Saldivia of West Fourth Street addressed the Board regarding the alleged incidents that occurred in the Spring of 2018 in Myrtle Beach.He ended his comments by asking the Board to please issue a statement and to not continue to remain silent.”
D. Linda L. Radocaj, Head Coach for Volleyball at the high school, for personal reasons, effective December 12, 2019.
ITEMS FROM BOARD MEMBERS
“Ms. (Jennifer) Lake stated that she is in a reflective time in her life with her daughter in her senior year. She recognizes the influence that teachers and principals have had on her daughter. She wanted to thank them and stated the care and dedication they give to the students does not go unnoticed.”
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January 8, 2021, WASD Solicitor Fred Holland billed the WASD for 0.70 hours and a total of $105.00 for
“Legal research regarding Independent investigators; review draft statement.”
Adam Welteroth is the only WASD school board member to publicly call for an independent investigation into the Myrtle Beach case. His well documented motion for that request did not garner a second.
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January 9, 2021, WASD Solicitor Fred Holland billed the WASD for 1.20 hours and a total of $180.00 for
“E-Mails with Administrators; Review of statements as re-drafted;
E-mail and Telephone conference with D. Bohman, Tom Marshall.”
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Why is WASD Solicitor Fred Holland having a “Telephone conference with Tom Marshall” the same day Marshall filed a civil lawsuit against this author on behalf of former WAHS head baseball coach Ryan Miller?
Why is WASD Solicitor Fred Holland having a “Telephone conference with Tom Marshall” less than 48 hours from a WASD School Board member publicly asking for an independent third party investigation into the Myrtle Beach incident and how the WASD handled the case?
Why is WASD Solicitor Fred Holland having a“Telephone conference with Tom Marshall” less than 24 hours after performing “Legal research regarding Independent investigators”; of which Ryan Miller would be a person of interest since he was the coach in March 2018 and was on the trip in Myrtle Beach?
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On January 9, 2020 the “WASD Statement on Myrtle Beach Incident” was released to the public.
It was released with the following preamble; “The Williamsport Area School District proactively serves students and families of our community. We take this responsibility seriously, and the safety of our students is our top priority. The district follows a high standard of communicating with the public and protecting the privacy of our students.
In light of recent concerns raised on social media, it is evident that the circulation of inaccuracies and misinformation have created confusion that is detrimental to students, staff and the district.
The district is releasing the following statement to provide facts where we are legally able to do so, while still protecting the privacy of students.”
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January 10, 2020, WASD Solicitor Fred Holland billed the WASD for 0.60 hours and a total of $90.00 for
“E-mails conference with Tim Bowers.
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January 17, 2020, WASD Solicitor Fred Holland billed the WASD for 0.20 hours and a total of $30.00 for a “Telephone conference with J. Beague.”
EDITOR’S NOTE: John Beague is a reporter for PennLive with deep connections to a number of parties involved in the Myrtle Beach story.
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On January 22, 2020, WASD Solicitor Fred Holland billed the WASD for 0.30 hours and a total of $45.00 for a
“Telephone conference with R. Gardner, Tim Bowers.”
EDITOR’S NOTE: Ryan Gardner is the Lycoming County District Attorney.
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From the press release released on May 5, 2020 by Lycoming County District Attorney Ryan Gardner referring back to a meeting with the family of JOHN DOE #1 in January 2020 as noted in PART XV:
Prior to taking office in January, it was difficult to ignore the many questions surrounding the alleged sexual misconduct by a member of the WASD baseball team during an organized team tournament held in South Carolina. The sexual misconduct was reportedly captured on video. It was further suggested that more than one video existed that potentially depicted additional sexual misconduct committed upon one or more other unnamed victims/teammates.
Within the first two weeks after taking office, the newly appointed Chief County Detective, Michael Simpler, and I traveled to the home of the alleged minor victim to meet with the Mother and discuss the incident that occurred in South Carolina. The victim’s Mother did provide details consistent with previously published articles regarding the subject matter including, but not limited to, information verified by the video possessed by the District Attorney’s Office.
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On January 27, 2020, WASD Solicitor Fred Holland billed the WASD for 0.40 hours and a total of $60.00 for a
“Review suit filed and news article.”
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On January 29, 2020, WASD Solicitor Fred Holland billed the WASD for 0.20 hours and a total of $30.00 for
“Review article.”
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It is interesting to note the COVID-19 global pandemic seemed to put a pause on things until May when they began to pick back up again. On May 5, 2020 Lycoming County District Attorney Ryan Gardner referred the Myrtle Beach case to PA Attorney General Josh Shapiro as noted in PART XV.
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On July 4, 2020 WASD special counsel Howard Kelin billed the WASD for 0.25 hours and a total of $73.75
“Review background information on lawsuit and prior news articles.”
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On July 15, 2020 attorney Tom Burkhart billed the WASD for 0.40 hours and a total of $60.00 for
“Telephone conference with Attorney Allen Page re: Ryan Miller RTK requests;
follow-up email to Attorney Page with scope of RTK requests.”
WASD Solicitor Fred Holland billed the WASD for 0.50 hours and a total of $75.00 for
“Conference with Tom Burkhart; Telephone conference with Tom Marshall.”
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On July 16, 2020 attorney Tom Burkhart billed the WASD 0.10 hours and a total of $15.00 for
“E-mail to Attorney Allen Page re: scope of RTK request directed to Ryan Miller.”
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On July 17, 2020 attorney Tom Burkhart billed the WASD 0.30 hours and a total of $45.00 for
“E-mail to WASD & Howard Kelin with status update re: Ryan Miller RTK request/IT issues.”
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On July 20, 2020 WASD Solicitor Fred Holland billed the WASD for 0.30 hours and a total of $45.00 for
“E-mail Jeff Litts.”
EDITOR’S NOTE: Jeff Litts, is also serving as WASD special counsel.
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On July 21, 2020 attorney Tom Burkhart billed the WASD 0.10 hours and a total of $15.00 for
“E-mail to Attorney Allen Page requesting written summary of the position Ryan Miller
re: RTK requests.”
On July 21, 2020 attorney Tom Burkhart billed the WASD 0.20 hours and a total of $30.00 for
“E-mail to Attorney Holland — update on Ryan Miller RTK request;
sale of radio station by Bartley.”
EDITOR’S NOTE: Why is the WASD so interested in the “sale of radio station by Bartley.” which is totally unrelated to responding to a Right to Know Law request?
Is it also an appropriate use of WASD taxpayers funds?
Also, on July 21, 2020 WASD Solicitor Fred Holland billed the WASD for 0.30 hours and a total of $45.00 for
“Telephone conference with J Dohrmann.”
EDITOR’S NOTE: Jeffrey Dohrmann is a Partner in Williamsport Law firm Rieders, Travis, Humphrey, Waters & Dohrmann. Dohrmann was contacted for this story and has yet to respond.
Also, on July 21, 2020 attorney Tom Burkhart billed the WASD 1.30 hours and a total of $195.00 for
“Telephone conference with Attorney Allen Page e: RTK and Ryan Miller.
Attendance at WASD Executive Session.”
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On July 22, 2020 WASD Solicitor Fred Holland billed the WASD 0.30 hours and a total of $45.00 for
“Conference with firm attorneys; emails.”
Also on July 22, 2020 attorney Tom Burkhart billed the WASD 0.40 hours and a total of $60.00 for
“E-mail update to WASD and counsel re: Ryan Miller.”
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On July 23, 2020 WASD Solicitor Fred Holland billed the WASD 0.70 hours and a total of $105.00 for
“Review FCC documents; Telephone conference with Counsel.”
EDITOR’S NOTE: What do “(FCC) Federal Communications Commission documents” have to do with Right to Know Law requests?
Also on July 23, 2020 attorney Tom Burkhart billed the WASD 1.40 hours and a total of $210.00 for
“Review of RTK case law regarding disclosure of records held by former employee of agency.”
When attorney Tom Burkhart notes on the WASD legal services invoice; “disclosure of records held by former employee of agency – is he admitting Miller has responsive documents to Right to Know Law requests?
If so, why do attorneys Page IV and Marshall continually object and refuse to allow former WAHS head baseball coach Ryan Miller to cooperate with the WASD on responsive documents to Right to Know Law requests?
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On July 24, 2020 attorney Tom Burkhart billed the WASD 0.20 hours and a total of $30.00 for
“Received and reviewed email from Attorney Allen Page re: Ryan Miller RTK request;
forwarding of Attorney Page’s email to special counsel and Wanda Erb.
“Received and reviewed RTK response to Todd Bartley by WASD to 1st RTK request; review of final response by WASD.”
Also, on July 24, 2020 WASD Solicitor Fred Holland billed the WASD 0.60 hours and a total of $90.00 for
“E-mail and telephone conference with various counsel.”
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On July 27, 2020 WASD Solicitor Fred Holland billed the WASD 0.30 hours and a total of $45.00 for
“Review docket entries, court order.”
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On July 28, 2020 attorney Tom Burkhart billed the WASD 0.10 hours and a total of $15.00 for
“E-mail to Wanda Erb re: update on 2nd RTK request.”
On July 28, 2020 WASD Solicitor Fred Holland billed the WASD 0.30 hours and a total of $45.00 for
“Review public record documents.”
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On July 30, 2020 attorney Tom Burkhart billed the WASD 0.20 hours and a total of $30.00 for
“Received and reviewed email from Attorney Litts; Review of draft response to RTK Request #2 and documents.”
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Going back to the spring of 2018; based on the legal services invoices obtained from the WASD through the Right to Know Law the following is the response of the WASD to the “coach issue.”
“In Reference To: Employment Issues – Professional Services
On April 19, 2018 WASD Solicitor Fred Holland billed the WASD for 0.20 hours and a total of $28.00 for a
“Telephone conference with Tim re: Coach issue.”
On April 20, 2018 WASD Solicitor Fred Holland billed the WASD for 2.30 hours and a total of $322.00 for a
“Meeting with Tim, Susie, Anne et al.”
EDITOR’S NOTE: Tim is Dr. Timothy Bowers, WASD Superintendent, Susie is believed to be Susie Bigger, WASD Assistant Superintendent and Title IX Coordinator and Anne is Anne Logue, WASD human resources department.
On April 27, 2018 WASD Solicitor Fred Holland billed the WASD for 0.30 hours and a total of $42.00 for a
“Telephone conference with Anne and Tim.”
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Were these the “re: Coach issue” conversations concerning then WAHS head baseball coach Ryan Miller showing up to a game intoxicated and being allowed to coach said game?
With the WASD human resources department representative Anne Logue in the conversation; was the termination of the employment of Ryan Miller as WAHS head baseball coach being discussed?
Who would ever foreseen the unfortunate circumstance of a 2-time DUI offender showing up to a game intoxicated.
Maybe the person who gave their full-throated endorsement of Coach Miller getting the head coaching job in the first place could answer that?
Anyone heard from Randy Zangara on this topic?
Miller and Zangara had a lengthy phone exchange in the hours leading up to Miller resigning as noted in “A Baseball Story In The Birthplace Of Little League Baseball” – PART II.
Ryan Miller resigned on April 20, 2018, citing “family reasons”.
Where were attorneys Allen Page IV and Thomas Marshall then?
Why, to this day are former WAHS head baseball coach Ryan Miller and current WAHS head principal Brandon Pardoe unable to provide any phone records to this REQUESTER in all times relevant to the Myrtle Beach trip; even though both readily admit they had their phones on the trip?
The one year anniversary of Josh Shapiro, PA Attorney General receiving the case referral from Lycoming County District Attorney Ryan Gardner is less than one month away.
This is a developing story on TalkWilliamsport.com.
LINKS TO THE SERIES PUBLISHED BY Talk Williamsport
Dark Shadows engulf WASD regarding transparency…again
– A Baseball Story In The Birthplace Of Little League Baseball – PART XXIX
AG interviews of Dr. Bowers, Pardoe and Erb confirmed in WASD Legal Services Invoices
– A Baseball Story In The Birthplace Of Little League Baseball – PART XXVIII
How did Pardoe, McCann and Miller all forget the 2018 Myrtle Beach room assignments email?
How did Wanda Erb miss this email on the WASD.org server? – PART II
– A Baseball Story In The Birthplace Of Little League Baseball – PART XXVII
How did Wanda Erb miss this email on the WASD.org server?
– A Baseball Story In The Birthplace Of Little League Baseball – PART XXVI
WAHS Principal Pardoe immediately responded to Ricky Stryker threat raised by Coach Ryan Miller
Marc Schefsky, WASD School Board member announces intention to resign
WASD School Board candidate petitions obtained, connections run deep
WASD School Board to discuss vacant board seat tonight
Lycoming County District Attorney office confirms receipt of Marc Schefsky non-WASD residency complaint
WASD school board removes 2023 Disney band trip from agenda
Residents circulate petition for immediate removal of Marc Schefsky from WASD school board
Nancy Somers resigns from WASD school board
BREAKING NEWS: Resignations to be announced at the WASD School Board meeting tonight
WASD solicitor Fred Holland wants $20,000 retainer and a raise for ’21-’22
UPDATE: WASD acknowledges existence of “room assignments” email, contradicts prior Wanda Erb affidavit
UPDATE: WASD has 48-hour deadline to respond to Right to Know Law requests
WASD School Board major changes are forthcoming
OP-ED: Another Embarrassing Display of Willful Ignorance by the WASD school board
OP-ED: Long past time for Dr. Bowers to resign as WASD Superintendent
BREAKING NEWS: Is the WASD finally acknowledging Myrtle Beach victims with new policy?
Marc Schefsky WASD school board resignation could be the least of his issues
BREAKING NEWS: Marc Schefsky resigning from school board after WASD residency questioned
Residency of WASD School Board member in question
BREAKING NEWS: WAHS student criminally charged by South Carolina authorities in 2018 baseball team incident
UPDATE: Major development in the 2018 WAHS baseball team “criminal sexual misconduct” case
WASD lack of response clock posted
WASD fails to acknowledge “victims” in Myrtle Beach incident; uses death of George Floyd as distraction
A Baseball Story In The Birthplace Of Little League Baseball – PART XXV
A Baseball Story In The Birthplace Of Little League Baseball – PART XXIV
A Baseball Story In The Birthplace Of Little League Baseball – PART XXIII
A Baseball Story In The Birthplace Of Little League Baseball – PART XXII
A Baseball Story In The Birthplace Of Little League Baseball – PART XXI
A Baseball Story In The Birthplace Of Little League Baseball – PART XX
A Baseball Story In The Birthplace Of Little League Baseball – PART XIX
A Baseball Story In The Birthplace Of Little League Baseball – PART XVIII
BREAKING NEWS: PA AG Press Office confirms receipt of Criminal Sexual Misconduct referral from DA Gardner
A Baseball Story In The Birthplace Of Little League Baseball – PART XVII
A Baseball Story In The Birthplace Of Little League Baseball – PART XVI
EXCLUSIVE: AG Shapiro press office on referral: “If and when we receive it, it will be promptly reviewed”
A Baseball Story In The Birthplace Of Little League Baseball – PART XVII
BREAKING NEWS: PA AG Press Office confirms receipt of Criminal Sexual Misconduct referral from DA Gardner
UPDATE: Charges filed in Greater Latrobe Junior High hazing case cited in “A Baseball Story”
A Baseball Story In The Birthplace Of Little League Baseball – PART XVI
EXCLUSIVE: AG Shapiro press office on referral: “If and when we receive it, it will be promptly reviewed”
BREAKING NEWS: District Attorney Gardner refers Myrtle Beach case to PA Attorney General – PART XV
A Baseball Story In The Birthplace Of Little League Baseball – PART XIV
A Baseball Story In The Birthplace Of Little League Baseball – PART XIII
A Baseball Story In The Birthplace Of Little League Baseball – PART XII
A Baseball Story In The Birthplace Of Little League Baseball – PART XI
A Baseball Story In The Birthplace Of Little League Baseball – PART X
A Baseball Story In The Birthplace Of Little League Baseball – PART IX
A Baseball Story In The Birthplace Of Little League Baseball – PART VIII
A Baseball Story In The Birthplace Of Little League Baseball – PART VII
A Baseball Story In The Birthplace Of Little League Baseball – PART VI
A Baseball Story In The Birthplace Of Little League Baseball – PART V
A Baseball Story In The Birthplace Of Little League Baseball – PART IV
A Baseball Story In The Birthplace Of Little League Baseball – PART III
A Baseball Story In The Birthplace Of Little League Baseball – PART II
A Baseball Story In The Birthplace Of Little League Baseball – PART I
