Sunday April 10, 2005
City releases police investigation details
By Karen Ratay Green--Daily News Editor
The Boonville Police Department is saying "no" to a proposal coming from the Industrial Development Authority (IDA) Board for the Kemper property.
A three-page "preliminary" investigation of Randall and Russell Hinton and Robert Lichfield, the financial backer for the deal and founder of the WWASPS programs where both Hintons received their training, has been submitted by BPD to the IDA board.
The report said, "Our professional opinion would be to deny any sale to any person associated with WWASPS, or its affiliates, until an intensive background check could be completed."
Both Hintons have tried to distance themselves from WWASPS and the allegations that surround them.
Russell Hinton explained he had spent the last two years working at a bank because he had signed a no-compete clause while working for WWASPS, which prevented him and his brother from starting their own program before now.
But the police report points out that Lichfield signed the check for the $100,000 deposit to the city, and that the Hintons are driving a vehicle registered in Lichfield's name.
Randall Hinton, a seven-year veteran of the WWASPS organization, has maintained Golden Pond Ltd. is a real estate holding company owned by Bob Lichfield, and would have no other connection with the school.
Police also stated concerns about WWASPS and the "numerous allegations made against these institutions for possible abuse of children."
The police reviewed a number of newspaper articles and videos with information about WWASPS. Some of the videotapes feature "children and parents describing the treatment and troubles within these organizations. Several of the locations have been closed in the past."
Another videotape features Randall Hinton "freely admitting he used pepper spray on one student and more than once per day."
Police also cautioned the city about the public safety aspect of the school, citing concerns about the proximity to the YMCA.
Randall Hinton advised it is his intention to purchase all the Kemper School property, including that which the city has designated as "F. T. Kemper Park," and he would also work out some kind of cooperative agreement with the YMCA.
The police expressed concern about the safety of small children, who could be exposed to the behavior of violent offenders.
Hinton has insisted the school will not accept such children, at the school they hope to call "Kemper." Currently there is not enough alumni support to allow the use of the name of the prestigious school.
Hinton's marketing plan explains parents are seeking out military schools at a much higher rate (33,713 internet hits), than residential treatment centers (2,353 internet hits).
With those numbers, Hinton predicts between 300 - 500 kids will reside at the closed campus, within three years. The estimated tuition of between $1,000 - $3,000 per month should make it a profitable venture.
Additionally, Hintons' business plan projects a positive boost to the Boonville economy. He said the program, with 300 students, expects to pour about $96,000 into the local economy in the way of program supplies. Families visiting cadets are also expected to generate significant income in the hotel industry.
Despite these positive projections, the Boonville Police Department said, "It is our recommendation that the risks far outweigh any benefits of the sale of this property could achieve. Our professional opinion would be to deny any sale to an person association with WWASPS or its affiliates until an intensive background check could be completed.
To date, the IDA Board has not requested any further investigation.
