DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating alleged child sex crimes involving a staff member at an elementary school in Lawrence and learned of more victims.
On Saturday, police in Lawrence launched an investigation into an alleged sexual assault of two students at Prairie Park Elementary, according to police spokesperson Laura McCabe.
A concerned parent of one student called police Saturday morning about events that occurred during the school day on February 7. Investigators quickly uncovered evidence that led to the Saturday night arrest of 60-year-old Mark Elliott Gridley. He is a Speech and Language Pathologist at the school.
Monday morning, investigators learned of a second possible victim. That alleged assault also occurred Friday morning at the school.
On Tuesday, police confirmed there are more than two victims in this investigation, according to McCabe. Police did not provide an exact number. Each parental concern brought to the attention of police must be fully investigated, which takes time.
The team of police investigators, in conjunction with experts from the Children’s Advocacy Center of Douglas County, are working to investigate all information received.
The scope of the investigation has now expanded to include students who were not receiving services for speech at the school. Police are asking for parents of students at Prairie Park Elementary School to have a conversation with their children about any possible contact with Mark Gridley. Should concerns arise at any point in those conversations, police ask that parents stop the conversation and contact the investigations hotline set up for this investigation at (785) 830-7430.
Police are working closely with the Children’s Advocacy Center of Douglas County, USD 497 administrators, and the District Attorney’s office to ensure all expert services coordinate to uncover the complete scope of the potential harm and crimes committed.
In addition to the on-site law enforcement presence, police set up a phone line for parents who may need to report a concern about their child and any contact with Mark Gridley. The phone number is (785) 830-7430. In addition, police 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.
"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."