Kansas City, Kansas schools investigate nonprofit leader accused of inappropriate texts
Two school districts in Kansas City, Kansas are investigating allegations made against a nonprofit organization leader accused of sending inappropriate text messages to minors.
Leaders from Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools and the Turner Unified School District sent letters to families informing them that internal reviews were being conducted after they became aware of accusations made on social media. Few details were available Monday night, but spokespersons from the districts told The Star the matter involved Warriors 4 Wyandotte, a group that volunteers in Kansas City, Kansas schools.
Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools spokesman Edwin Birch told The Star that the organization’s founder has been banned from being on school properties pending the outcome of the investigation. He said local law enforcement is aware of the accusations but that no reports had been filed as of Monday.
Tax and business documents filed with the Internal Revenue Service and the Kansas Secretary of State’s Office show the organization was created in 2019 by Robert Vargas of Kansas City, Kansas. A voicemail message seeking comment was left with a phone number associated with Vargas and was not immediately returned late Monday night.
The Turner district has temporarily suspended its partnership with the organization. Lauren Aiello, a spokeswoman for Turner, said no students from Turner have yet come forward to detail any impropriety involving the organization and the action was taken “out of an abundance of caution while we collect more information.”
By Monday, social media accounts and the website for the nonprofit appeared to have been taken down. The group runs a mentorship program for public school students in Kansas City, Kansas. Examples of its services include being present with school staff to welcome students in the morning and conversing with students in the cafeteria during lunchtime.
This story was originally published December 13, 2021 at 11:03 PM.
