Post updated at 5:42 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 11:
Lawrence police say they now believe there are more potential victims beyond the two known children who were allegedly sexually assaulted by an employee at Prairie Park Elementary School.
Police announced Monday that they had arrested Mark Elliott Gridley, a 60-year-old speech language pathologist, after they heard from a concerned parent on Saturday “about events that occurred during the school day” on Friday and “quickly uncovered evidence.”
“Monday morning, investigators learned of a second possible victim,” police said in a news release. “That alleged assault also occurred Friday morning at the school.”
During a press conference Tuesday afternoon, Deputy Chief Anthony Brixius told reporters that this is a “large investigation.” Over the last 24 hours, a lot of leads have come in, and investigators are working to conduct additional interviews.
He said police are “expanding the scope beyond those who just may take speech pathology.”
“I’m not going to share with you the exact number that we believe at this time, based on how the investigation keeps continuing,” Brixius said.
Gridley has been an employee of the school district since August 2021, according to district documents. Julie Boyle, a spokesperson for the school district, said via email Tuesday that Gridley had only been assigned to Prairie Park — no other school buildings in Lawrence.
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.
“We are taking in a lot of information,” Brixius said. “We are assigning those leads, and we’re connecting people with potential resources, working hard with our partners at the Children’s Advocacy Center, the DA’s office and USD 497.”
Police ask parents and guardians to talk to their children.
Brixius said if they believe they’ve had interactions with Gridley, it’s important to not be too intrusive but to start off with some basic questions.
“And the second that they tell you — or if they tell you something that’s concerning, we need you to reach out to us,” Brixius said.
Parents can call 785-830-7430 to make a report. People who are specially trained in interviewing children will assist with interviews.
Gridley remained in custody of the Douglas County jail as of Tuesday afternoon, jail records show. A judge set his bond at $1.5 million.
All defendants in criminal cases should be presumed not guilty unless they are convicted.
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 he was listed as a special education speech teacher at Logan Elementary in 2015 on district documents.
Post updated to add a photo at 3:57 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 11
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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
Maya Hodison (she/her), equity reporter, can be reached at mhodison@lawrencekstimes.com. Read more of her work for the Times here. Check out her staff bio here.
Latest Lawrence news:
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
