Some schools in Arkansas sever ties with Lifetouch after Epstein files fallout - 5NEWS

SPRINGDALE, Ark. — Schools across our area have begun severing ties with the school photo production company Lifetouch after its parent company's former owner was linked to convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Leon Black is the former CEO of Apollo Global Management, the investment group that owns Lifetouch, a company specializing in taking school photos for yearbooks and other events.

Black retired from the company in 2021 after intense public scrutiny over his alleged connections to financier and sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein.

At the time of writing, no direct connection between Lifetouch and Epstein has been confirmed, and the company's name has not been found inside the Epstein files released by the DOJ.

The files do not contain any evidence that Lifetouch was involved in any criminal activities.

Lifetouch released a statement in response to the controversy, saying they do not and have never shared images with a third party or had any connection with Epstein.

"At Lifetouch, student safety goes beyond the camera lens. As a trusted partner to schools for 90 years, we’re committed to protecting the privacy and personal information of every student we serve," said Lifetouch in a statement.

That did not stop many school districts across the U.S. from halting business with Lifetouch. In Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley, schools in Clarksville, Farmington, Gentry, and Springdale announced an end to partnerships with Lifetouch.

"After careful consideration and reflection on recent events, we have made the decision to end our partnership with Lifetouch," Clarksville said in their statement released on Feb. 24. "Our top priority is always the safety, trust, and well-being of our students and families. We remain committed to upholding the highest ethical standards in all our partnerships."

Sonora Elementary in Springdale informed parents that they are cutting ties with Lifetouch on Feb. 17. When 5NEWS reached out to the Springdale School District for further comment, we were redirected to Lifetouch's statement regarding the Epstein files fallout.

In Gentry, Superintendent Tyler Broyles also announced the district would no longer partner with Lifetouch.

"When concerns were raised a few weeks ago, we reached out to Lifetouch for additional information and received a statement from their CEO," Broyles said.

While the district waited for further communication, upcoming picture dates were put on hold, and contingency options were explored.

Broyles said the decision that followed was made in part due to communication concerns with the company.

"The decision ultimately followed what we believed was a lack of responsiveness from the company regarding the allegations," said Broyles.

Similarly, the Farmington School District said Lifetouch failed to provide the requested communication.

"After concerns were brought forward, district leadership communicated directly with Lifetouch and requested that Lifetouch provide clear, direct communication to our families," Superintendent Jon Laffoon said. "We established a reasonable timeline to enable that communication. When those expectations were not met within the agreed-upon timeframe, we made the decision to terminate our contract."

Laffoon explained that ending the contract is not accusing Lifetouch of anything, but that when students and their information are involved, transparency is important.

Farmington is moving forward with Winguard Photography, an Arkansas-based company, for upcoming school picture opportunities.

Stay with 5NEWS on this developing story.