Lawrence PD expands investigation involving possible victims of school speech therapist

LAWRENCE, Kan. (KCTV) - Police said a former elementary school speech therapist accused of sexually assaulting children has more than two victims.

Lawrence police announced the arrest of 60-year-old Mark E. Gridley Monday.

Detectives started investigating Gridley Friday, Feb. 7. The department said a parent called police to report an incident involving Gridley and a student at Prairie Park Elementary School.

Gridley worked at the school as a speech therapist until the district learned of the accusations against him Monday.

Less than three days after the investigation into Gridley began and police said they’d identified a second potential victim.

By Tuesday, detectives said the case into Gridley expanded and possibly included students who were not receiving therapy from the suspect. The department also said they’d identified more possible victims.

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

Gridley made his first appearance in court on Feb. 10. He is held on $1.5 million bond.

Gridley is scheduled to be back in court on Feb. 19. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office declined to release Gridley’s booking picture.

Police ask families who have concerns about interactions between their children and Gridley to call police before discussing it with their children. The department set up a hotline for parents to call at (785) 830-7430.

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