Probably because of that ignorant principal. Unbelievable.

The Riverwatch principal doesn't have a clue what is happening in her school.

I am a student at lambert and know Mr.Pilcher. Most news articles give you a background on the person telling about the bad stuff behind the person to give them the criminal feel. With Pilcher no one can. He is a great man, a FCA leader, a volunteer at most RMS events, and an assistant teacher. He cares about kids and is selfless. Does that sound like some one who would do this? No. I don't and will not believe he did this unless he says it with his own mouth. He is a good man wrongfully accused.

Y'all can't blame this on the principal. Teachers and Paraprofessionals and all staff are given background checks. This guy is obviously a sick man; just no one knew of it since he had no past history. It is definitely not Mrs. Carpenter's fault that a man decided to commit such a horrible act. We are lucky that this man was caught before anything worse happened and be thankful for it. It seems as if y'all have some animosity toward her. Walk a week in her shoes.

Whether he was falsely accused or not, something needs to be done to better protect kids at school from this situation.

Bang on about the principal being ignorant. My kid goes to Riverwatch, and she is completely incompetent.

I don't know who "John Doe" is, but I'm guessing that they're a friend of the principal, and that both Tammy and UGA76 have kids that go to Riverwatch as well.

At Riverwatch, popularity and being a part of the "elite" trumps EVERYTHING else. Bullying, harrassment, ostracizing and simple redneck behavior are the norm. I think "Doe" would probably disagree, but that "Doe" might be one of the participants.

JohnDoe - you're full of crap AND outnumbered...

I was a student there and yes popularity was a big part of school and to be frank I was never popular. So seeing it from this view it really didn't matter to the point of it effecting you if you were popular. It was just the "cool kids". They weren't bullies to me and none of my friends were ever harrassed. Infact some of these "cool kids" are leaders of higher learning clubs and great people in highschool. The kids that are complaining are just whining to whine. Show me the bruse or a recording of verbal harrasment then ill believe it. And also Forsyth County being redneck? Really? Yea... we look like true rednecks in our mercedes, bmws, and are 3 story house. Youre gonna see me outside my trailer park in a pair of overall and my daleheart Jr. Shirt tommorow! Yea if we are rednecks then texans are eskimos.

You guys blaming the principal are exactly what's wrong with our society......always somebody else's fault.......the principal does a great job and no I'm not a personal friend of hers......stop bitching about the principal and hold the para-pro accountable......if you don't like the school, then transfer.....

Yes, I have a student at Riverwatch and I speak from first hand experience when I say that the Principal doesn't have a clue what is happening outside her office.

Please impart us with your wisdom UGA76 since you know so much about the administration......what are you basing your opinion on?

Please impart your wisdom on us UGA76 since you know so much about the administration.......what are you basing your opinion on?

@forsythcotaxpayer, I was a student at Riverwatch for all three of my middle school years an worked in student government, which worked closly with helping the students speak their mind and also worked with the principal many times. She is in no way ignorant and the fact that you say she is makes you ignorant. Riverwatch could not have a better principal than her. And as you brought up bullying which I may add has nothing to do with this article, there is rare bullying and any that happens is nipped in the butt. I think your all forgetting that EVERYONE is inocent until prooven guilty and your all just assuming the a church leader, FCA leader, and special education assistant teacher is guilty because one kid came up and said he was. You all need to open your eyes and see that Mrs.Carpenter could no way help stop this. Mr.Pilcher has worked at Riverwatch for years. Why would he chose now to do it? Why not last year, or the year before?

I cannot believe this has turned into an attack on the principal. I guess everyone forget that a man... Might I add, good man, teacher, church leader, someone's son and friend has been arrested and life has been ruined because as far as anyone is concerned he has already been convicted, tried, found guilty and... You are bitching about the principal. Complain about the principal at a PTA meeting or go see the BOE. My friend and a man who has been around my kids their whole lives is sleeping in jail tonight. I do NOT believe Shane did this... My heart tells me that the man I know could have never have done this.

what is he accused of doing? The article doesn't give details.

I am a parent of students who have been at RMS since 2009. My comments were from a parent, tax-payer, stakeholder perspective. From my vantage point, Mrs. Carpenter is the most fitting and proper administrator with whom I have had the honor to associate. She helped my family through a very difficult bullying-based situation and was key in getting the situation settled. Anyone who questions her practices, and also who is a tax-payer who has a dog in the fight, needs to consider all things before asserting an asinine opinion. The point of this posting site is being skewed by the witch hunt for Carpenter. Whereas she is, indeed, ultimately responsible for the events at the school, does anyone posting here really know anything from the inner circle, and therefore, have a valuable, fact-based comment? Crimes against children are of the worst possible, but those acts are the real demons. Mr. Pilcher, though he may be guilty, has the right to be proven guilty. That may occur, and if so, he is the criminal, not Kathy Carpenter. Put away the nooses and form opinions only if you have a true insider basis for feelings and thoughts. Let's practice allowance for the justice system to provide information that will help us come to terms with the details as they unfold, but let's not villify the wrong person unjustly. This is about a child potentially being hurt, which is tragic. Please spend your efforts in positive thought toward that child & his/her family and what they may be enduring.

You all amaze me!!.Such shallow people to accuse Shane before you hear all the facts!!Shame on you!! You don't even know the man! I do, I know Shane personally and he is an outstanding young man with strong christian convictions.He also has helped my son in mentoring him.My son says he has never witnessed any compromising behavior at all,and he has been with him alot camping trips etc..Innocent till proven guilty!! I stand in Shane's corner!!!

I'm disgusted that some of you have already convicted poor Shane without details and proof! I'm a product of child molestation by my own father so yes i do know these things happen ..but i do also know that people LIE for whatever reasons..and Shane's character has always spoken for itself ..and until it is proven otherwise ..I'm going with the innocent until proven guilty!

I have witnessed Shane grow into an amazing young man that strives to make his community a better place, he gives his time to his community, church, schools. It takes a special person to work with children especially children with special needs. I would not accuse any child of lying about this, but knowing Shane I know this is a misunderstanding. Any child can misinterpret, especially a child with a special need(i am a parent of a child with Autism). Any person who works with children puts themselves at risk for these types of accusations, we as a community need not be so quick to judge the accused. Yes, it takes a sick person to commit a sex crime, but Shane is not a sick person and we need to wait on the facts. I am appalled at FCS for the statement released, why was he not placed on on leave pending the outcome, these are people’s lives, what message are we sending as a community if every person accused of a crime is automatically convicted. Ask yourselves, have you spent time alone with a child, could you now be in Jail for a misunderstanding? The answer is Yes, all it takes is one comment, one misunderstanding and we could all be there, and your friends and your neighbors would automatically assume your quilt. Is that fair?

I have known Shane half of my life and know without a shadow of a doubt that he did not do this. It seems in our society you are guilty before being proven so. His life is ruined now due to an accusation because at this point, that's all it is. I know Shane to be a God fearing, Christian man. His name will always be marked now because of this. And to the person calling him a "sick man," you obviously do not know him. If you did, you'd know that he is an outstanding young man. He is dedicated to his profession, community, and church. Instead of slandering him further, you should wait for the truth to really come out.

Forsyth County Sheriffs department is known for falsely arresting good folks! We all need more information before casting opinions.....

let me first say i dont have kids at riverwatch and may or may not have a dog in this fight. Almost 4 years ago i started speaking to all schools in the forsyth co area about the dangers of drugs/meth. let me say this, as of today no other schools except riverwatch have continued to allow such programs to continue. to say anything about the principal is silly. they love and support their kids just as much if not more than any other school does. i have never witnessed any bullying or other behaviors since speaking their 3-4 times a year for almost 4 years. so please give the staff a rest and support them in this difficult time. oh and what ever happened to innocent until proven guilty?? isnt this america??

When I first heard this story, the first thing I thought of is the couple in Laurel Springs who were arrested because two drunk teenagers were found outside their Halloween Party. Their story is that the kids arrived drunk and were not admitted entrance to the party. Makes sense to me as all kids inside the party tested negative for alcohol. Could this be another case of the sheriff's department potentially acting hastily? True or not, all of these people's lives are now ruined. As far as bullying at RMS, it is out of control. It was a very hard transition for my child from his old middle school.

I personally experienced the Forsyth County Sheriffs discrimination, they arrest and than ask questions.... Detective Jeff Roe is a perfect example of a complete pedrifile, he has avoided prosecution because he is part of the good old boy network! The teacher in question has had is statutory and due rights violated by the incompetent Forsyth County Sheriffs Department!!!!!!

The Phelan's arrest in Laurel Springs was hardly a mistake. I can speak first hand to knowing that over 30 kids were hidden when the cops pulled up. Places like in the Media Closet in their basement. Many questions may still exist regarding the story about Mr. Pilcher, but students can't say the same thing about what went on at the Phelan's Halloween night.

We really need a new DA - Penny Penn needs to go! How they could arrest this innocent man is just unbelievable! Forsyth County Sheriffs- arrest than asked questions? It's 2012 Forstyh County- tine to wake up!!!!!!

Terrible story!! Terrible that this young man's life is ruined RIGHT NOW. If he is acquitted and the accuser recants the entire story, this young man's life is still in shambles.

I knew a County Councilman many years ago whose embittered ex-wife accused him of molesting his own daughter, but later ADMITTED that it was a made up charge. This poor man's life was completely ruined.

Pity that we are all on here keeping this alive before ANY of us know the real and true facts.

Not sure how the whole "principal" debate started, but I do have to agree that there is a real lack of leadership! I know - I have a kid at RMS...

I do believe in the tenet, "Innocent until proven guilty." It is within the realm of possibilities that Mr. Pilcher has not committed any heinous acts involving children. It is my hope that the law enforcement and judicial systems will do their jobs to protect citizens, while doing so in an unbiased manner. In any event, we each have opinions; we should limit those to being fact-based and founded in evidence. Nobody posting here knows exactly what has transpired- including me. As the days pass, things will become more clear and then, only then, can we assert our thoughts in ways that can be productive. I am in no way on either side; I am purely on the side of truth and follow-up support for whomever can benefit. Riverwatch administration and teachers and multiple FCSS counselors took care of our kids today in ways that are nothing less than outstanding. In the aftermath of the breaking news yesterday, action was taken to help in processing. My children specifically reported that there was no indicting of Mr. Pilcher, but there was a huge amount of student support. Because tragedies will unfortunately always be a part of our lives, follow-up is of the utmost importance; Riverwatch did not fail our families today.

Mrs.carpender is amazing

She is the best principal in the whole world so do not blame her for someone else's choice. How could she know. That he was going to do such a bad thing? Leave her out of this she does not deserve this.

Shane is an amazing man and I KNOW that the accusation is false. I went to school and church with Shane and there is no one more kind and caring than he is. He loves what he does and is the perfect example of what a Godly man looks like

I know Shane and there are few people I would have enough faith in to say that they are wrongfully accussed, but with Shane I do. How can we help him?

I have known Shane for most of my life. He is one of my best friends. I grew up with him. He has never EVER been anything but loving, caring, self-less and good hearted. So you can imagine how i'm feeling right about now. What if someone said that your best friend (you know a best friend inside and out, don't you?) or your father, brother, uncle, cousin did this. Your reaction would be, 'wait- are we talking about the same person here?!' For all of you who DON'T know Shane (and believe me, it's obvious you don't) rest easy, don't worry your little heart out, ya hear?! His life is ruined based on a few accusations (that no one has any idea what they are yet) that haven't been put to trial. God have mercy on whoever it was that started all these lies about one of the best people I know... When the truth comes out- and it always does- you all will know. Shame on you! STOP BULLYING!!

Patchers, While I realize this is a very sensitive story - I will write to say the name calling must stop now or your comments will be deleted by me for violating Our Terms of Use - click here - http://cumming.patch.com/terms - please stick to TOPIC. Thank you.

Liz Kennedy, Editor

I have a question for the editor: when this entire story comes out and the action may have been completely innocent do you revise the article pr update the story? Right now this man is most likely being falsely accused, or may have done something completely innocent and his reputation and future careers are being ruined because every local news station has posted this article with a large photograph of him. It is a scary thought to me that if I was falsely accused of something or charged with a crime for accidently doing something to a mentally disabled kid, every news station will blast my police report without the entire story with a large photograph of me before they even have any FACTS and I will be recongnized for the rest of my life for something I was completely innocent of. People should educate themselves on the definition of the charge this man is charged with. When I first read this article I imagined he had took a mentally disabled child into a dark place and done something unspeakable to them. Anyone could be guilty of this charge and many people are falsely accused of this crime daily. If you accidently touch someones clothed butt you can be charged with this, and this could be your face above.
Does anyone else notice the victim "an innocent battered mentally disabled child" is posting comments on this story, at one point he agreed with another commentor saying Shane is being falsely accused??

Anon, the story will be updated when there is new information released. Thank you for reaching out.

Liz Kennedy, Editor

It is so easy for people to judge others. But I know Shane and this is not true. He would never hurt anyone. He had a hard life going up. And it is sad that this has happened to him. He had made something of himself and now it is all gone due to someone just making up stuff. I feel he should be given his job back and all this junk against him be taken off his record. He is a good GODLY man. And cares for others and would do anything to help someone in need. I am praying for you Shane.

Greetings Patchers,

Comments on this article have been temporarily closed until further notice. We will update and/or have a follow up on the article as soon as the information is made available to Cumming Patch.

Liz Kennedy, Editor

Hello Patchers,

Comments on this article have been reopen since we have updated information. I will strongly advise that if you do comment, please stick to the topic of the article, do not write personal attacks about anyone and keep false information out of it or it will not get posted. See Our Terms of Use - click here - http://cumming.patch.com/terms

Liz Kennedy, Editor

Looks like Ricky Pilcher doesn't know the difference between charges being dropped and bond.

Do all of you people who are saying he is "innocent" really think the police arrest people just on speculation? They must have some concrete evidence against him to have made an arrest. They didn't just take the victims "word for it"...seriously, people. Think before you post ignorantly.

I have known Shane his entire life. I can say with all of my heart that I don't believe him to be capable of such a heinous act. I'm sure some will read this and of course assume I am saying that because I am close to him, but I assure you I am not. It should be noted however, that he was arrested. He has not been indicted.

In regards to whether or not police arrest people on speculation, absolutely they can and do. Specifically in cases such as this. It was only a few years ago that Forsyth County kicked in a man's front door and came in wearing full tactical assault gear to arrest him for raping his girlfriend the night before and all it took was her word. She later wrote a letter explaining how she said it because she was mad at him.

Finally, I hope and pray none of you ever have your lives splashed across the internet for the world to dissect and interpret. I hope and pray none of you are ever wrongly accused. I hope and pray none of you ever have to wear the scarlet letter.

Judge not, lest ye be judged.

There aren't many people in this world that I have so much faith in that I can say they are innocent and know that with all of my heart... I know with all of my heart that Shane did not do this and it has to be a misunderstanding.
I have dealt with Forsyth County as a victim and they do arrest and charge based on a victim's statement. So they do just take a person's "word for it".

Taking this opportunity to teach my child and practice the discipline myself, of waiting until you have the whole story to make a decision as to what you believe. Choosing to walk along side our friend who has shown us love and compassion during our tough times, no matter what.

I'm not judging anyone, just thinking logically. I don't know him to "know" if he is capable of this like some of you claim. Do you think anyone "thinks/knows" that one of their firends are capable of something like this? If the police were just taking the victims word for it, don't you think they would've just arrested him Monday when it was reported and not wasted two days investigating before an arrest? Come on people...

I'm with "Reasonable..". Crimes like this happen every single day, and I'm grateful that victims find their voice to come forward. Nobody ever suspects someone they know and love and admire, which is the heartbreak for this man's friends when/if he is proven guilty. If he's falsely accused, it'll come out and his band of supporters will be there to help clear his name.
In the meantime, be grateful that we have a system that (does its best) to get to the truth. Good or bad.

Anyone know if the victim was male or female?

wow unbelievable. I don't know what to think about this. I have known Shane for years and would never believe him to do such a thing. I hope the truth comes to light and lives aren't shattered. sad for everyone involved.