Post last updated at 10:07 p.m. Monday, Feb. 10:
Two Prairie Park Elementary School students were allegedly sexually assaulted by an employee of the school, Lawrence police say.
“A concerned parent of one student called police Saturday morning about events that occurred during the school day” on Friday, according to a news release from the Lawrence Police Department. “… Monday morning, investigators learned of a second possible victim. That alleged assault also occurred Friday morning at the school.”
Investigators “quickly uncovered evidence” that led them to arrest Mark Elliott Gridley, a 60-year-old speech and language pathologist, on Saturday, according to the release.
The district attorney’s office has charged Gridley with one count each of aggravated indecent liberties with a child younger than 14 and kidnapping, both severe felonies. The two charges allegedly involved one child, but prosecutors can amend charges to include additional victims, or file separate cases. All defendants in criminal cases should be presumed not guilty unless they are convicted.
Gridley was in custody of the Douglas County jail as of Monday afternoon, jail records show. A judge set his bond at $1.5 million.
Gridley has been an employee of the school district since August 2021, according to district documents. A spokesperson for the school district did not respond Monday to an email seeking to confirm the start date of Gridley’s employment and which buildings he’d worked at during his years with Lawrence Public Schools.
Police are working with district administrators, the Children’s Advocacy Center of Douglas County and the district attorney’s office “to ensure all expert services coordinate to uncover the complete scope of the potential harm and crimes committed,” according to the release.
“The district immediately relieved the individual of all duties” upon learning of the allegations, Interim Superintendent Jeanice Swift wrote in an email to families Monday. “School and district administration continue to work closely alongside our law enforcement partners to support their investigative efforts. We will keep staff and families informed as the investigation progresses.”
Members of the district’s crisis support team are connecting with families whose students may have had contact with Gridley, according to the message.
“Our district has the highest standards for our employees, who are entrusted to care for, educate, and support our community’s children,” Swift wrote. “When a safety concern is reported, our administrative team immediately investigates, including involving local law enforcement, as appropriate. Based on the findings of the investigation, we take decisive action in accordance with the law and Lawrence Board of Education Policy.”
Police will not be releasing the ages of the children who were allegedly assaulted in an effort to protect their identities, according to their release.
Lawrence police are encouraging parents to come forward if they have any concerns about their child having contact with Gridley.
“We ask that any parent who may have concerns about their child’s interaction with Gridley, please contact law enforcement before discussing it in-depth with your child,” according to LPD’s release. “Lawrence Police and the Children’s Advocacy Center of Douglas County are here and ready to talk to you and your child. They are trained to address these issues while limiting the traumatic impact these discussions have on young victims.”
Parents can call 785-830-7430 to make a report.
Gridley was not named on the list of personnel changes the Lawrence school board approved during their Monday meeting.
Gridley first became a licensed speech language pathologist in Kansas with a temporary license in 2008 (given to people who have had all necessary training but not yet completed their examinations), followed by a full license in 2011. His licensure is currently set to expire this October, according to state records.
He previously worked for the Seaman school district, which includes part of northern Topeka, according to records from that district. He resigned effective at the end of July 2021, just before beginning employment with Lawrence Public Schools. It was not immediately clear late Monday when his employment with that district began, but a LinkedIn page that appears to be his indicated his employment with Seaman began in August 2015, and he was listed as a special education speech teacher at Logan Elementary in 2015 on district documents.
Note: This post has been updated to correct a misspelled name.
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Resources for survivors
If you have experienced sexual violence or trauma, please seek the help that’s right for you. There are many options available, and you don’t have to file a police report if you don’t want to.
Get 24/7 help in Lawrence: The Sexual Trauma & Abuse Care Center
- Call 785-843-8985 to reach an advocate, 24/7. (Consider saving that number in your phone in case you or someone you know ever needs it.)
- After an assault: What are my options? Check this page for detailed information about
- talking to an advocate,
- going to the hospital,
- making a police report,
- and/or talking to a counselor or therapist.
- On campus? Check this page for specific resources for the University of Kansas, Haskell Indian Nations University, Baker University, Ottawa University and more.
Resources on KU’s campus:
- Contact CARE (Campus Assistance, Resource, and Education) Services: KU students can make an appointment online at careservices.ku.edu, by email, care@ku.edu, or by calling 785-864-9255. It’s free, confidential and voluntary to talk with the CARE Coordinator. All genders welcome. Read more here.
- Find more KU campus resources at this link. Specific information about sexual assault exams can be found under the “Medical Care” tab.
Domestic violence situations: The Willow Domestic Violence Center
- Reach the Willow for help 24/7 at 785-843-3333.
- Find more resources on the Willow’s website at this link.
More resources
- The Children’s Advocacy Center of Douglas County offers support and resources for children and families affected by child abuse. See their website at cacdouglas.org, call them at 785-592-3160 or stop by their office at 1009 New Hampshire St. in Lawrence.
- StrongHearts Native Helpline: Call 1-844-7NATIVE (762-8483) for 24/7 safe, confidential and anonymous domestic and sexual violence support for Native Americans and Alaska Natives that is culturally appropriate.
- National hotline: Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), text “START” to 88788, and/or visit thehotline.org to chat and learn more, 24/7.
More coverage:
Nathan Kramer / Lawrence Times
Mackenzie Clark (she/her), reporter/founder of The Lawrence Times, can be reached at mclark@lawrencekstimes.com. Read more of her work for the Times here. Check out her staff bio here.
Latest Lawrence news:
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
