Lawrence elementary school employee accused of sexually assaulting students

LAWRENCE, Kan. (KCTV) - A Lawrence school district employee is charged with sexually abusing an elementary school student. Police are investigating to determine if there are additional victims.

Police said the investigation into 60-year-old Mark E. Gridley began Saturday, Feb. 8. The department said a parent called to report something that happened between Gridley and a student at Prairie Park Elementary School the previous day.

“We were ed Saturday morning by a family member of one of our victims, who had some concerns about some events that occurred on Friday during the school day,” said Sgt. Drew Fennelly with the Lawrence Police Department.

Gridley is a Speech and Language Pathologist at the school. Authorities opened an investigation, which they said quickly led to Gridley’s arrest.

Police learned of a second possible victim Monday morning. Investigators said the alleged assault also happened at Prairie Park Elementary on Friday, Feb. 7.

“After we had made the arrest on Saturday night, on Monday morning we were made aware of a potential second victim,” said Fennelly. “We have made with them and believe they are a second victim.”

The Lawrence Police Department says the investigation is ongoing and there potentially could be more victims.

“We expect the scope of our investigation to expand,” said Fennelly. “We do have information that suggests this individual was also involved in private practice.”

The school district said it immediately relieved Gridley of all duties after learning about the claims. His information is no longer listed on the district’s website.

The district also notified families about the allegations. The district’s crisis team ed families whose students may have had direct with Gridley.

“When you are talking about allegations of crimes against children, children should be safe in school,” said Fennelly. “That’s the place they should feel the safest and anybody who is committing crimes against in the place that they should feel the safest, we’re going to do everything we can to make sure that person is help to and make sure the investigation is done in a way that reflects our commitment to making sure those kids are safe.”

The school district said it immediately relieved Gridley of all duties after learning about the claims. His information is no longer listed on the district’s website. The district also notified families about the allegations. The district’s crisis team ed families whose students may have had direct with Gridley.

The police department had officers at Prairie Park Elementary School on Monday. The department also has a phone line for families who may need to report a concern involving the investigation.

The phone number to call is (785) 830-7430.

Police ask that families who have concerns about interactions between their children and Gridley call the police before discussing it with their children.

The school district said it will continue to focus on providing for students, families and employees.

The district asked families to report any concerns to the police department.

Gridley is charged with aggravated indecent liberties with a child under the age of 14 years old. He is also charged with kidnapping.

Online records show Gridley made his first appearance in court on Monday, Feb. 10.

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