The City of Ste. Genevieve understands and respects the concerns raised regarding the September 28 incident involving three minors and takes the safety and well-being of children seriously. The City wishes to clarify that the reporter and photographer involved were not hired, employed, or contracted by the City; they were visiting Ste. Genevieve at the request of the Missouri Division of Tourism as part of a French travel publication project, and their identities and press credentials were verified by the Division. The incident was reported to the Ste. Genevieve Police Department, which conducted an investigation and has completed a police report containing information that addresses questions law enforcement is legally able to answer. The City recognizes the desire for immediate answers but emphasizes that investigations require time to gather and verify information before conclusions or releasable information can be provided. The City respects the concerns of the individuals involved; it also has an obligation to ensure that public statements regarding City personnel, law enforcement, and City operations are based on verified facts. A full statement from the city is attached here.