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.
KPRC 2 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 manager 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 KPRC 2 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.
KPRC 2 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.
On Tuesday, Habitat for Humanity of Polk County provided KPRC 2 with the following statement, made on behalf of the board of directors and the organization’s attorney:
“Habitat for Humanity of Polk County Texas investigates all complaints in compliance with Habitat for Humanity International regulations and guidelines. Complaints are made to Habitat for Humanity International who reports them to Habitat for Humanity Polk County, Texas. Habitat for Humanity Polk County, Texas then investigates the allegations and provides a report to Habitat for Humanity International in compliance with Habitat for Humanity International’s guidelines.
A complaint was filed with Habitat for Humanity International from one employee that did not include assault. This complaint is being investigated by Habitat for Humanity of Polk County at this time. As it is an ongoing matter, no specific comments will be made.”