ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — An Orchard Park gym owner is facing charges following an incident Tuesday evening at the Orchard Park High School.
According to the Orchard Park Police Department, before the school board meeting started Tuesday evening, Robert F. Dinero tried to enter the Orchard Park High School but was stopped outside by staff. Dinero was allegedly told he could not enter the building, but proceeded to enter the building anyway.
Police say Dinero previously had his privilege revoked to be in any school district building after reportedly violating the Orchard Park Central School District's "code of conduct."
Dinero was arrested for criminal trespass in the third degree and was processed at the Orchard Park Police Station. Dinero was later released on an appearance ticket, with a return date of Dec. 28.
The Orchard Park School District released a statement Wednesday afternoon about the incident. You can read the full statement below:
"The Orchard Park Central School District constantly strives to provide a safe and welcoming environment for our students, staff, and visitors. Unfortunately, that has become much more difficult during the pandemic. Despite these challenges, the District has worked to hold Board of Education meetings in public, as the Board and District welcome and value input from our residents and employees. Unfortunately, the District has been unable to effectively conduct its business during in-person meetings on a number of occasions this year due to visitors refusing to comply with the District’s Code of Conduct and COVID-19 protocols.
"The District handles each matter on an individual basis and, if necessary, takes appropriate action to address violations. In November, the District was forced to ban an individual from coming inside school District buildings due to the individual’s conduct. Specifically, on multiple occasions, the individual would don a face mask to enter a school building, remove the face mask once in the building, and refuse to put it back on when requested by District officials and employees. In addition, the individual disrupted Board of Education meetings. The individual shouted threats and inappropriate statements, which interfered with the right of the Board of Education to continue their business in an orderly manner without disruption.
"As a result, the District notified this individual, in writing, on November 12, 2021, that they are prohibited from being in any of the District’s school buildings and attending any activity or event taking place within District school buildings including Board meetings. At the December 14, 2021 Board meeting, the individual entered a District building despite being banned from the property. The District notified law enforcement, who then removed the individual from our property.
"The District and Board of Education will continue to work to provide our students with the best education and support during these unprecedented times. We are disappointed that these incidents distract from our mission here at Orchard Park and will continue to concentrate our efforts on what truly matters: our students."