SHAUN NELMS, Ed.D.

EPO SUPERINTENDENT
EAST
1801 East Main Street
Rochester, New York 14609
Phone: 585.324.3651
Fax: 585.935.7458

July 15, 2016

Dear East Scholars and Families,
I hope that your summer is going well and that you are staying cool. I write to provide
information on an investigation involving an East staff member. Earlier this year, a
student approached a trusted school leader with information and evidence regarding
inappropriate electronic communication. The staff member was immediately placed on
leave and suspended from all duties at East.
We immediately referred that matter to the District and Rochester Police Department and
cooperated fully with a thorough and lengthy investigation. On Thursday, July 14, Mr.
Matt Gouveia, a teaching assistant and basketball coach at East, was arrested for
disseminating indecent material to a minor and endangering the welfare of a minor.
These charges relate to the case we reported. Based on the police investigation, we have
no reason to believe that the criminal activity involved inappropriate physical contact or
that there was more than one victim.
While it is imperative that we not rush to judgment and that we allow for a fair
investigation and judicial process, we have and must also continue to do everything we
can to ensure the safety and well-being of our scholars, which is always our highest
priority.
The prevalence of technology in our childrens lives poses certain risks. As families, as
educators, and as a community, it is imperative that we remain vigilant in monitoring and
discussing these issues, while being open and available to our young people, so they may
feel comfortable approaching us if they have been harmed or feel uncomfortable. I am
grateful for the added supports we have at East, and the amazing team of adults we have
who care deeply about our students. I am also grateful for the trust this scholar put in us.
We are committed to honoring that trust through our actions and support, and respecting
the privacy of the scholar and her family during this time. I am also thankful for the
Rochester Police Department and the Rochester-based FBI/Child Exploitation Task Force
for their roles in this investigation to ensure the safety of our children and school
community.

July 15, 2016

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Like you, we are obviously unnerved by this incident and heartbroken for our scholar.
Please understand that we have been asked not to share additional details on the case
while it proceeds through the judicial system, so we will not be able to answer some of
the questions you may have. As always, please remember that many of our staff members
are available throughout the summer if you or your child would like help in processing
this information. You may call (585) 288-3130 to arrange an appointment.
If you or your child has information relevant to this case, I encourage you to call 911 to
speak with the police.
As always, I wish you and your family all the best.
Sincerely,

Shaun C. Nelms, Ed.D.

EPO Superintendent