Articles >> A Closer Look at Schools Getting Background Checks

A Closer Look at Schools Getting Background Checks

April 7, 2011
Author: Margo Gray
WAFF 18 News

Huntsville, AL (WAFF) –

After some digging, WAFF found out every teacher gets run through a background check under the ABI and the FBI.

Harvey Knotts has no prior arrests. In fact, the only thing WAFF found is a traffic ticket from 2008.

We did learn Harvey Knotts is wanted for sexual abuse allegations out of Bermuda where he previously taught.

So it begs the question, did Knotts use the school in Bermuda as a reference and did Huntsville City School leaders check into it?

WAFF asked Superintendent Dr. Ann Roy Moore and was told human resources is looking back at his teaching record now.

In the meantime, people who know him are talking.

WAFF contacted the FBI and there is no such thing as an international background check.

It would depend on authorities here contacting the country after probable cause and requesting information on a person but the country is not required to share information.

We did go out to Knotts home to talk to neighbors and also to McDonell Elementary School to talk with parents.

Even though we know Knotts is a wanted man in Bermuda we also found out he does have a history with sexual abuse.

Copyright © 2011 WAFF 18 News

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Articles >> A Closer Look at Schools Getting Background Checks