Security guard's company now closed

WYOMING, Mich. (WOOD) - ES Safety & Security, the business owned by the head of security at Godwin Heights Public Schools, is closed, according to a company manager.

Owner Ken Franks was arrested Tuesday for criminal sexual conduct against a student, the district's superintendent told 24 Hour News 8.

His company, also known as Event Solutions of West Michigan, is located at 551 36th St. SE. Franks is listed as the owner according to paperwork filed in 2009.

24 Hour News 8 contacted the state to check on the status of the company's license, issued in 2007. Michael Lee Struve is the license manager and it was requested closed as of Wednesday.

The company was formed in 2005 and offers a range of security services for businesses, events, churches and schools, according to the website.

A representative wouldn't say how many people ES Safety & Security employs, but judging from the security cars and guards with the Godwin Heights school logo on, it appears the district's contract was a big one for the company.

"Basically, my only comment is that it's a sad situation, and a lot of lives will be touched or affected," said Jeff, the client services manager. "It's not a good thing."

The district received information about Franks on Monday, launched an internal investigation, then called police on Tuesday, district superintendent Jon Felske said.

Franks was then arrested and awaits arraignment, which likely will happen Thursday.

A previous allegation against Franks was internally investigated, Felske said. Franks, the student and others denied there was a relationship at that time.

But a new tip from a different student came to light Monday, and that's when the school once again looked at the allegation.

ES Security guards remain on the job at the schools, as none of them are implicated in this allegation. Franks, though, has been suspended, and the contract will be reviewed after the case is resolved.