Editor’s note: This article includes some details of sexual assault allegations that may be triggering.
Post last updated at 8:02 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21
Lawrence police allege that a Prairie Park Elementary School speech pathologist charged with sex crimes used the guise of a test to abuse a student.
Mark Gridley, 60, had worked at the school since August 2021. He was charged earlier this month with one count each of aggravated indecent liberties with a child younger than 14 and kidnapping, both severe felonies, involving one alleged victim, based on a report to police made Saturday, Feb. 8.
However, police received a report involving a second child on Feb. 10, and the following day announced that they believed there could be more alleged victims, including students who did not receive speech services.
Police have asked parents to speak with their children if they believe they’ve had interactions with Gridley. Deputy Chief Anthony Brixius said last week that it’s important to not be too intrusive, but to start off with some basic questions. We’ve included some details below about the allegations against Gridley that children might not identify on their own as abuse.
“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.
Interim Lawrence Public Schools Superintendent Jeanice Swift, named to the permanent superintendent position on Friday, said in a message to school families that Gridley was immediately relieved of all duties after the district learned of the allegations. The Lawrence school board on Monday will consider approving a formal resolution to terminate his contract, a necessary step if the district needs to end a contract with a certified staff member early.
Swift also said the district “has launched a comprehensive review of safety protocols across all school buildings, including ensuring clear sightlines into all physical spaces where children are served, so these spaces remain open and observable at all times.”
Families can also contact the Children’s Advocacy Center of Douglas County for resources, information and help.
Douglas County District Judge Amy Hanley on Friday ordered the release of a police affidavit detailing what police learned in their investigation, the basis for the charges against Gridley.
Allegations in affidavits have not been proved in court. Defendants in criminal cases should be presumed not guilty unless they are convicted. Redactions also make some portions of the affidavit difficult to follow.
The affidavit alleges that Gridley took a student out of their classroom on Friday, Feb. 7, for a speech therapy session.
Gridley allegedly told the child he was performing a “tongue strength test.” He allegedly placed a wooden object wrapped in black plastic tape in the child’s mouth for the “test,” then said he wanted to perform another test, but said the child needed to be blindfolded so they wouldn’t go blind.
The child allegedly told a forensic interviewer that Gridley had bound their hands behind their back with tape. The child said Gridley placed bandaids and tape over their eyes so they couldn’t see, the affidavit alleges.
He then allegedly inserted another object into the child’s mouth, the child told the interviewer. Shortly after, Gridley cut the tape from the child’s hands, removed the bandaids and said the session was over, according to the affidavit.
The child told the interviewer they had heard what they believed was a zipper. They also said they thought the session was recorded on a camera.
Police allegedly found several rolls of tape in various colors in Gridley’s office. They also found an empty condom package and bandaids with black tape stuck to them in the trash from his office, according to the affidavit.
Gridley remains in custody of the Douglas County jail, records show. A judge set his bond at $1.5 million.
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 at Logan Elementary in 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.
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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
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Nathan Kramer / Lawrence Times
