A longtime associate of Chuck Norris and a key figure in the KICKSTART KIDS program was arrested following serious allegations involving a student from Fort Bend ISD.
In July, KPRC 2 Investigates learned Dona Pettway was under investigation by the Fort Bend ISD Police Department. He was contracted by the district to teach karate to children and one of the schools he taught at was Quail Valley Middle School.
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Warrants for Pettway’s arrest went out Friday afternoon for sexual assault of a child and possession of child porn. He is accused of engaging in sexual relations with a female student.
Following the initial allegations, Pettway was terminated from his role at KICKSTART KIDS.
Chief Director of Operations John Kurek told staff, “I sent an email out last week informing the staff that Mr. Pettway no longer is employed by KICKSTART KIDS. I am also wanting to inform the staff that if you are approached by the media that you have no comment…”
It’s unclear if parents of the children Pettway taught were notified at the time of his dismissal.
While investigators looked into the allegations, the district terminated Pettway’s contract.
Fort Bend ISD spokesperson Sherry Williams issued the following statement to KPRC 2 Investigates regarding the incident:
The district was recently made aware of an allegation of inappropriate conduct of a contracted employee with a student. The contracted employee was recently released from the district and will not be returning to any FBISD campus pending the results of an investigation by the Fort Bend ISD Police Department. If any student, staff, or parent has concerns or information regarding inappropriate conduct, please contact FBISD Police at 281-634-5500 or to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 281-491-8477.
Saturday, officials with KICKSTART KIDS issued the following statement:
Kickstart Kids was made aware of the allegations of inappropriate communications against an instructor by Fort Bend Independent School District. We immediately removed the instructor from the classroom, and they are no longer employed by Kickstart Kids. All staff and instructors undergo a background check and receive comprehensive, regular training against abuse or misconduct toward students, all to protect young people under our care.
Kickstart Kids was founded in 1990 and prioritizes helping today’s young people. Its mission is to teach character through karate and to empower youth with core values, such as honesty, discipline and respect.
We will cooperate fully with any investigation by the school district or law enforcement.
The charges of sexual assault of a child and possession of child pornography each come with a $250,000 bond.