05/28/2026
Official Statement from the Deer Lodge Police Department
We are aware of a recent article published by the Silver State Post regarding an investigation into an allegation of child abuse involving a staff member at Powell County High School. We would like to provide our community with accurate context regarding this report.
The Source of the Report: Child Protective Services (CPS) received a report concerning a school staff member. We want to clarify that this allegation did not come from a victim, a parent, or a direct witness. Instead, it was reported by a third- or fourth-party individual who is completely removed from the alleged incident.
Current Status: Standard protocol requires CPS to cross-reference all reports with local law enforcement. Because the alleged incident falls within our jurisdiction, the Deer Lodge Police Department is currently looking into the matter.
We also want to clear up some recent published confusion regarding the roles of local law enforcement agencies:
The Deer Lodge Police Department has not taken over child abuse cases from the Powell County Sheriff’s Office.
Deer Lodge PD investigates cases that occur strictly within the city limits of Deer Lodge.
The Powell County Sheriff’s Office handles cases that occur outside the city limits but within Powell County. While the Sheriff's Office holds county-wide jurisdiction (meaning they can investigate cases anywhere in the county, including inside city limits), our agencies generally divide cases based on those city lines.
Our department remains fully committed to the safety of our community's youth and ensuring all reports are thoroughly evaluated. Thank you for your continued support and partnership.
