School security officer accused of giving students vapes and threatening them in Cowlitz Co.

COWLITZ COUNTY Wash. (KPTV) - A contracted security officer for Toutle Lake Schools was arrested Thursday after allegedly giving students vape products and threatening them with consequences if they reported her, according to the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office.

On Oct. 24, a parent reported the allegations to the sheriff’s office. The security officer was identified as 47-year-old Ashlynn Smith of Ridgefield.

Following an investigation focused on Toutle Lake High School, deputies said they believe Smith confiscated a vaping device from a student, kept it in her office and allowed several students to use vapes there on multiple occasions. Parents alleged that she sometimes vaped with the students.

Prosecutors said there are six victims, ranging in age from 13 to 16.

As rumors of the vaping sessions spread around the school, investigators said, Smith warned students they would face consequences if they spoke out. She is also accused of getting one student to write an email to the school saying the rumors about her were false.

Investigators said Smith used the school’s confidential student data system to track down information about the victims’ families as part of her alleged efforts to prevent students from reporting her.

On Oct. 27, the school district announced in a letter to families that Smith had been removed from campus. The district said she violated student privacy requirements under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, known as FERPA.

“...We are implementing enhanced safeguards and oversight measures to help ensure these concerns are not repeated,” Toutle Lake School District Superintendent Chris Schumaker said.

“What is going on with our schools and our admins and why do we have the wrong people over our children?” asked Melinda Ganis, the mother of a Toutle Lake High School student. “you guys are school officials. Are you not running the proper background checks or reference checks on these individuals?”

Smith was booked into the Cowlitz County Jail on Thursday on the following charges:

• Two counts of intimidating a witness
• Three counts of tampering with a witness
• Two counts of electronic data theft
• Five counts of selling or giving tobacco to a minor

Smith was arraigned in Cowlitz County court Friday and released hours later on her own recognizance. A judge ordered Smith to stay away from the school and the involved victims.