My name is Danny Rome from LaPlace. My granddaughter was attending the summer camp put on by St. John Parish and their recreation department.

It started in the beginning of June. From the start my granddaughter has been bullied, hit on, squirted water on, teased on the bus, etc.

My wife has gone to the camp three times in an effort to get this stopped. The camp directors assured her each time it would get handled. It never stopped.

Just about everyday my granddaughter would come home in tears.

On July 7, she attended a field trip to a water park with the camp participants. While there, one boy followed her around and repeatedly tried to molest her.

She pushed him away. Finally, she reported the incidents to one of the camp personnel. The lady asked if my granddaughter knew his name, which she did not know (my granddaughter just moved here in May and does not know too many kids, and there are over 200 in the camp).

The camp person said how am I supposed to believe you if you don’t know his name and brushed it off. I thought that remark was totally out of line, especially if my granddaughter was not strong enough to push that boy away. She could have been raped.

I contacted the Parish Administration and asked to speak with Mrs. Robottom, but was instead put through to someone else.

I was apologized to and was told they would look into it immediately, and they would call me back. About 10 minutes later, the recreation director, Mr. Watkins, called me to find out what went on, which I explained fully.

He assured me he and his staff would look into it and call me often to let me know what they were able to find out.

Since that day, July 7, I have not heard a thing. It makes me feel this is being swept under the rug, just like lots of things in this parish.

My granddaughter has been humiliated through this ordeal and no longer wants to participate in any group functions because of what happened.

Danny Rome, LaPLace

Parish: Investigation is proceeding

First and foremost, the safety of our children is of the utmost importance to my Administration and St. John the Baptist Parish Government.

Therefore, once notified of the complaint, an investigation was immediately launched and is currently ongoing.

This is a very serious matter and it is being handled with caution. However, due to the sensitive nature of the complaint and the age of the individuals involved, no additional information can be provided at this time.

Natalie Robottom, St. John the Baptist Parish President