POLK COUNTY – The executive director for Habitat for Humanity in Polk County was arrested by Livingston Police on Thursday. According to his arrest report, Jason Barron was arrested on indecent assault and harassment charges.
KPRC2 Reporter Corley Peel spoke with a former employee who reported Barron to police. Laura Kingman said Barron began working at the Livingston location in August. Kingman was working as a manger at the time. She said there were several incidents where Barron allegedly made sexual comments towards her or touched her inappropriately. Kingman said she took her concerns to board members several times, but nothing was ever done.
“They just said it’s just you. You’re taking it the wrong way. He’s being friendly,” said Kingman.
Feeling ignored, Kingman contacted police at the end of January. She said six witnesses backed her up.
“I wasn’t okay. I had a gut feeling that it was going to get worse, so I got the police involved,” said Kingman.
Kingman said she felt a sigh of relief once Barron was arrested. He made bail, and by Monday, our KPRC2 crew saw him back at the Habitat for Humanity Livingston office. As he was leaving, Corley asked Barron about his arrest. He told Corley he cannot make any statements. Kingman said the stress from the incidents led her to quitting her job. She said it was disheartening knowing he was back at the office days after his arrest.
“It’s a huge slap in my face. They still didn’t take this seriously. He went to jail. He’s getting charged. He’s still at work acting like its another day,” said Kingman.
KPRC2 reached out to the director of Habitat for Humanity in Polk County. She said they will be meeting with their attorneys to discuss commenting about the case.