Police in Exeter, New Hampshire, say they're still working on several allegations of sexual misconduct at Phillips Exeter Academy, but they say they've closed the only investigation into an active employee.
"You don't expect it to happen where you live," said nearby resident Lynne Wilby. "But that's life, there are things you never expect to happen but do."
At one of the most prestigious prep schools in the country, a second faculty member has been fired for having sexual encounters with a student.
"We wont stand for it," said Patsy Murphy of Exeter.
Residents who live near the academy were appalled to hear that then-current faculty member Steve Lewis confessed to police that he had an inappropriate relationship with a student three decades ago. He was fired Wednesday.
"You get a sick feeling in the pit of your stomach," said Karen Potvin who lived in Exeter for 41 years.
Police say Lewis was the only active employee under investigation.
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This comes just a few weeks after the community learned about another sexual misconduct case involving former faculty member Rick Schubart, who resigned in 2011. The academy has come under fire for withholding that information until just last month.
"It's a little disappointing that they weren't accountable at time when it happened," said another Exeter resident Elaine Leddy.
No one from the school would go on camera Thursday, but Principal Lisa MacFarlane issued a statement.
"The safety and well-being of our students is our highest priority," it read, in part. "We remain committed to fully supporting the Exeter Police Department in its investigations, and to uncovering any other past incidents. We will take whatever steps are needed to make Exeter the safest possible place for our students. We have extensive policies, procedures, and educational offerings in place to help recognize the signs of harassment or assault, and to take appropriate action to prevent inappropriate sexual behavior."
Police say Lewis will not any criminal charges because the statute of limitations has expired.
Experts though say that the victims in these cases could file a civil suit against the school.
