Dubai Teacher Arrested In U.S.
According to U.S. media reports, a Dubai-based teacher has been arrested in Florida, while attempting to solicit a child.
William Ball, a music teacher at the Swiss International Scientific School Dubai (SISD) was apprehended after he was found to have paid AED 18,000 to have sex with a seven-year-old child.
Ball had been with the school since August 2017 and taught music to children aged 11 to 18 years-old.
In a statement to ARN News, the Swiss International Scientific School Dubai confirmed the arrest, saying Ball has been suspended with immediate effect pending confirmation and the outcome of the judicial process.
Ball was arrested in Tampa, Florida by U.S Homeland Security and is now being charged with soliciting a minor and possession of child pornography.
Originally from Mississippi, Ball is believed to have used the internet and phone to make the arrangements and prosecutors say they have extensive records of his correspondence.
WhichSchoolAdvisor.com has received a statement from SISD which states, "the school would like to confirm that Mr. Ball was recruited through a reputable agency with stringent background checks in place. In addition to these checks, the school carried out its own verifications. All references also explicitly confirmed that he was suitable to work with children."
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“In addition to these checks, the school carried out its own verifications and obtained police clearance valid from 2011 until the start of employment at SISD last year. All references also explicitly confirmed that he was suitable to work with children.”
It went on, "moreover, it is essential to underline that no related child protection concerns have been reported to the SISD Child Protection Coordinator in the case of this teacher (or any other)."
"We (SISD) take child protection extremely seriously and a Council of International Schools visitor recently commended "the level of detail in place to ensure any person working with children or (who) has the potential of working with children, has the appropriate background checks."
"The wellbeing of children at our school is our top priority. To that end, our pastoral and child protection teams are monitoring and supporting students closely. Immediately, upon returning to school, our teachers and child protection team addressed the matter with students and we continue to work very closely with our community to support children and protect their wellbeing."
It is understood that Ball worked at the Qatar Academy Doha, prior to his move to Dubai.
Qatar Academy Doha part of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, is a private, chartered, non-profit organization.
A spokesperson for the Foundation told WhichSchoolAdvisor.com, “we are shocked to hear about the allegations made against a former Qatar Academy Doha (QAD) teacher, William Ball.”
“QAD is committed to safeguarding and protecting the welfare of children. We have robust child protection arrangements in place and follow Safer Recruitment protocol when appointing staff, all of whom are carefully screened. The person accused underwent the appropriate background checks prior to his appointment.”
“The welfare of our students is our primary concern, and we have a rigorous child protection and monitoring policy in place. No concerns about his conduct towards children were raised during his employment.”
“Qatar Academy recognises that students, parents and staff may be disturbed by the reports; our counselling staff are on hand to provide whatever support needed.”
