Hopewell Valley Regional School District Athletic Director Winfield “Tripp” Becker has been placed on administrative leave after being charged in Pennsylvania in connection with an incident that authorities say occurred earlier this month.
Superintendent Dr. Rosetta Treece informed district families Friday evening that an employee had been charged with “summary harassment and related charges” in Pennsylvania. Although the email did not identify the employee, Becker’s identity became publicly known through Pennsylvania court records and news reports.
Treece emphasized that the allegations did not involve Hopewell Valley Regional School District, district students or school property.
“The allegations against this individual do not involve conduct within the district and are not related to any district students,” Treece wrote in the message to families.
The district said Becker has been placed on administrative leave and is prohibited from being on school property while the case is pending, in accordance with Board of Education policy. The email also noted that he “is entitled to a presumption of innocence pending final resolution of the charges.”
District learned of allegations from employee
In an interview with MercerMe Saturday morning, Treece said the district became aware of the matter after Becker notified district officials himself, as required under Board policy.
“He let us know right away because that’s our board policy,” Treece said, adding that Becker “followed all the proper protocol” in reporting the matter to the district.
Treece said the district’s response followed established procedures for allegations of this nature.
“Based on the nature of the allegations against this staff member, our policy is they are out on administrative leave,” she said.
She said there have been no allegations involving Becker’s work in Hopewell Valley.
“This is nothing to do with the school district or any of his work with the district,” Treece said. “This is something that he has to resolve in his hometown.”
Treece confirmed that the district is not conducting its own investigation, and that the matter is being handled by Pennsylvania law enforcement.
“We will cooperate with authorities if requested,” she said.
Charges stem from Bucks County incident
According to the Plumstead Township Police Department, officers responded to a home in the Cabin Run development on Aug. 6 after a report of an adult male looking into a young female’s bedroom window.
Police said a homeowner’s surveillance video captured the incident and investigators identified Becker, whom they described as a neighbor known to the complainant.
Court records show Becker has been charged by summons with third-degree misdemeanor loitering and prowling at night, along with a summary harassment charge. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Sept. 8 in Bucks County.
The criminal charges are allegations, and Becker is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Preparing for the school year
Becker has been the athletic director for more than 10 years and with the school year approaching and fall sports beginning, Treece said the district has already begun arranging temporary leadership for the athletic department.
Treece said the district will continue to update families if circumstances change but stressed there is no indication the allegations involve Hopewell Valley schools.
