King's Way Christian: Female Employee Fired after Allegations

By Carla Castaño
KION
March 14, 2012

http://www.koinlocal6.com/news/local/story/Kingsway-Christian-Female-employee-fired-after-al/LOPQq7kCCkGUZyrnGO055A.cspx

[with video]

A female school employee from a Christian school in Vancouver faced a judge Wednesday, four days after the start of a law-enforcement investigation into her relationship with a 17-year-old girl at the school.

Some of Kyley Allworth's family members were in the Clark County courtroom Wednesday. They told KOIN Local 6 they were shocked by the allegations.

"She's an incredible woman," said her cousin Mike White.

White and other family members expressed concerns about Allworth's behavior in recent months. They said they were worried about her drinking and that she might commit suicide.

Allworth is being held on $50,000 bond and will face a judge again March 28th at 9am.

"Like any of these cases, there is always a possibility of other victims, although we are not aware of any at this time," said Sgt. Kevin Allias with the Clark County Sheriff's Office Major Crimes Unit.

Allworth is accused of sexual misconduct with the 17-year-old student at King's Way Christian School. This is a private school, operated by the First Church of God at 3300 N.E. 78th St. in Vancouver.

Allworth is not a teacher but is a librarian, works in the cafeteria and coached the girl's basketball team.

The Clark County Sheriff's Office initiated an investigation into the allegations March 10th. The investigation has since been turned over to the Clark County Major Crimes Unit.

"Based on information learned during the course of this investigation, it appears that an inappropriate, sexual relationship did occur between a student and an employee of the school," Sgt. Allais reports.

King's Way's Executive Pastor Jeff Waldbauer responded to KOIN's inquiries with a statement issued late Tuesday. In it he wrote:

"King's Way Christian School was informed of an inappropriate relationship between a staff member and an older student and immediately notified the proper authorities ... We have policies and procedures in place at King's Way Christian School that were violated by this employee, and the staff member is no longer employed by our organization or allowed on our campus."

On Tuesday King's Way notified its staff and parents of "the issue."

"We are continuing to take all appropriate actions and communication in this situation," Pastor Waldbauer said. "We will have counselors available throughout the week for our staff and students."

Allworth was arrested Tuesday and booked into the Clark County Jail. She faces three counts of Sexual Misconduct with a Minor in the first degree.

In Washington state, a person is guilty of sexual misconduct with a minor in the first degree if the person is a school employee who has sexual intercourse with a 16-year-old or older enrolled student of the school. Sexual misconduct with a minor in the first degree is a class C felony.

Contact: ccastano@koin.com