Barnwell, SOUTH CAROLINA

Nov 20, 2007 - Steve Walling, 52, a Barnwell Elementary School teacher, was arrested and charged with six counts of Committing a Lewd Act on a Child Under 16.

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is still investigating.

Warrants here. (PDF) 5.81 MB See The People Sentinel story as well.

Full Name: Steve Douglas Walling

Nov 21 - Walling is also a city councilman.

Some parents and students in the small town say it's not in Walling's character to abuse a child. Others say they're waiting to see how this case unfolds.

"He's not the kind of person who would do something like that. I've known him all my life. He never even touched me. I don't think he did it honestly," said Lynnsey Jamison a student at Barnwell's Middle School.

"He's supposed to be an upstanding citizen on the city council and a teacher at the elementary school. You wouldn't think he'd do anything like that, but if he did that's unfortunate and he needs to be punished for it," said parent Sandy Eichberg.

TT - It's irresponsible of a newsman or woman to quote a child in order to pit the child against the alleged victim. Because that's what it effectively does. Children instinctively trust adults; it's their nature. As for parents, they ought to know better, but we notice not one was named as supporting the teacher.

The attempt to intimidate the victim and her family continues, as WISTv reported the following:

Fifty-two-year-old Steven Walling still has the support of his Barnwell community, and he still has his job on city council.

He's a Barnwell elementary phys-ed teacher and middle school football coach. And his neighbor, Clyde Hamrick, is convinced, "There's nothing to this, nothing whatsoever."

Hamrick lives across the street from Walling, and he's known the 52-year-old nearly his whole life. Walling even replaced Hamrick last month on Barnwell City Council. Hamrick says, "He's as dumbfounded as I am. He says there's nothing to this, and I believe him."

For friends, it's hard to believe what court documents state, that Walling has been sexually abusing a female student at Barnwell Elementary for the past two years.

One affidavit indicates Walling even tried enticing the girl with candy. Another charges that he put his hand up the girl's shirt, and down her pants.

Hamrick says, "I've got a whole lot of reservations about this one."

And,

As for his job with the city, officials say Walling is still an active member of Council. The city administrator tells WIS News 10 the accusations against Walling have nothing to do with the city of Barnwell.

And Walling has Hamrick's support, "I have every confidence in the world in that man across the street."

Hamrick says only time will tell what really happened. "I will not believe any of this until it's proven."

And even then, the doubts will persist because of sloppy, thoughtless reporting. It's reporting that infers one little girl is a liar. And it pits the community against her.

The message is: He's important. You're not.

The school itself rates a 3 at Greatschools.net. Some 59% of the students are eligible for free lunch. Their test scores aren't that thrilling. There are four schools in the school district. Only one rates a 4. You'd think that reporters should ask tough questions about that.