Longview Schools Superintendent Arrested in Alleged Cover-Up of Student Sexual Assault
Longview Public Schools Superintendent Karen Cloninger was arrested Thursday morning on felony and misdemeanor charges in connection with an ongoing police investigation into a reported sexual assault case involving students at Mark Morris High School.
The Longview Police Department confirmed the 9:26 a.m. arrest in a statement, noting Cloninger faces charges of tampering with a witness (a felony), failure to report (a gross misdemeanor), and obstructing a law enforcement officer (a gross misdemeanor).
Police announced that additional charges are forthcoming for Andrew Schoonover, Executive Director of Student Services for Longview Public Schools.
Schoonover’s pending charges include failure to report and making a false or misleading statement to a public servant.
According to the police department’s probable cause statement, detectives developed information that Mark Morris High School staff and district leadership—including Cloninger—were made aware of allegations involving physical and sexual misconduct involving students as early as Jan. 29.
Detectives cited allegations involving multiple students, including a report that one student was forcibly dragged into the Mark Morris High School varsity team room, pinned to the ground, and partially disrobed.
As rumors of the incident circulated on social media, Longview Police Department leadership directly contacted Cloninger on Feb. 5 to ask if law enforcement assistance was needed.
Detectives allege they were informed that the district had investigated the matter and handled it internally.
An official police investigation was launched on Feb. 9 after a parent contacted law enforcement directly to report a sexual assault.
During the inquiry, which involved multiple search warrants, investigators developed probable cause related to mandatory reporting requirements, information provided to law enforcement, and internal communications.
Detectives allege that district employees raised internal concerns regarding their mandatory reporting obligations and whether law enforcement should be contacted.
According to the probable cause statement, investigators developed information alleging employees were directed by Cloninger to handle the matter internally and were discouraged from further discussion regarding the incident.
“This investigation required a significant amount of time, coordination, and evidence review,” Police Chief Robert Huhta said in a statement Thursday. “We understand the significance this case has in our community and the concern it has created for students, families, staff, and the broader public.”
“Keeping children safe is a shared community responsibility,” Huhta continued. “I want to thank our detectives for the professionalism, diligence, and care they have shown throughout this investigation. Our responsibility is to follow the facts, conduct thorough investigations, protect the integrity of the process, and present information through the legal system appropriately.”
The Longview Police Department stated that the investigation remains active and ongoing, noting that additional arrests or charges remain possible as detectives follow investigative leads.
Due to the active nature of the investigation and anticipated court proceedings, city and police officials stated they will not be providing interviews or responding to media inquiries at this time.