The family of one of several alleged victims of sexual assault by a former Prairie Park Elementary School speech pathologist is suing the district for the pain and mental anguish the child suffered.
Mark Gridley, 61, 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. Police last week announced that they believe there were eight alleged victims, all between the ages of 6 and 11.
The civil lawsuit, filed Thursday in Douglas County District Court, alleges that Gridley “used his position of trust and authority to isolate, groom, and/or sexually abuse students under the guise of speech therapy, including Plaintiff.”
The lawsuit alleges that the district and Gridley had a duty of care for the child but did not take reasonable steps to protect them.
The case alleges that “Prior to his hiring, and during his employment, for the District, and prior to the sexual abuse of Plaintiff described herein, the District knew, or had reason to know, Gridley engaged in acts of misconduct consistent with a dangerous propensity for unwanted or abusive contact with minor children and students, like Plaintiff. Yet, the District failed to take effective remedial action and employed, or continued to employ, Gridley and placed him in a position of power and trust over children, like Plaintiff.” It does not elaborate with further information about that allegation.
The lawsuit seeks damages in excess of $75,000, to be determined at jury trial, on each of three counts, including negligent hiring and retention, negligent supervision and sexual battery — vicarious liability.
The lawsuit was filed by Phillip R. Martens of Monsees & Mayer, a Kansas City, Missouri-based firm.
District spokesperson Julie Boyle said the district is unable to comment on legal action.
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.
Defendants in criminal cases should be presumed not guilty unless they are convicted. Gridley remains in custody of the Douglas County jail, records show. A judge set his bond at $1.5 million. His criminal case is set for a status conference on March 26.
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