Elementary School Janitor Arrested On Suspicion Of Child Molest [UPDATED]
South L.A.'s Miramonte Elementary isn't the only local school making unfortunate headlines in connection with a child sex abuse scandal. A janitor at Germain Elementary in Chatsworth was arrested today on suspicion of committing lewd acts on a child.
The mother of a Germain Elementary student reported "inappropriate contact between a janitor employed at the school and her child" to the LAPD's Devonshire Station on Sunday, according to City News Service. The station's sexual assault unit took over the case and, with the help of the Los Angeles School Police Department, arrested 37-year-old Paul Adame.
Information regarding the criminal behavior and identify of the child is being withheld "due to the nature of this ongoing investigation and the need to protect the identity of the victim," says a LAPD release.
LAUSD school board member Tamar Galatzan, who represents Granada Hills, issued a statement about the arrest, reports LA Daily News. "I'm disgusted by the allegations," she said. "I applaud law enforcement, school police and the school for responding immediately. This is now in the hands of law enforcement."
Detectives are urging parents of students to speak with their children about Adame to uncover any other possible victims.
Adame was released after posting $100,000 bail and is slated to appear in San Fernando court February 27.
UPDATE 3:28PM The alleged crime occurred Friday during school hours, and the LAUSD has placed Adame on administrative leave. He is banned from school campuses while the case is pending.
Newly reported information on Adame's criminal record shows the janitor was previously arrested for grand theft auto, burglary and other alleged offenses.
