Child Safety Concerns: Addressing the Alleged Assault at Orangewood Elementary
A 25-year-old registered sex offender, Abel Gblah, is accused of sneaking onto the campus of Orangewood Elementary School and sexually assaulting a 10-year-old girl in an empty classroom. The incident occurred after Gblah followed a student into the school claiming to be a doctor. Gblah has a history of probation violations and is registered as a Level 2 sex offender. He previously pleaded guilty to sexual conduct with a minor and has a pattern of probation violations, including missing meetings, using a smartphone, and viewing pornography.
Beth Goulden, a retired Maricopa County probation supervisor, raised concerns about Gblah's behaviors and whether they were reported to the police. Gblah missed 22 sex offender treatment classes and was discharged from the program. He was labeled as having the highest need for intervention in a recent assessment. Gblah was arrested earlier this year for theft and sentenced to two months in jail. He was released just ten days before the alleged assault at Orangewood Elementary.
Gblah is being held non-bondable for his probation violation and has a $500,000 cash bond for the assault at Orangewood Elementary. The school district has placed an employee on administrative leave while investigating the incident and will review safety procedures. The Washington Elementary School District released a statement acknowledging the unauthorized male on campus and the inappropriate contact with a student. The district is working closely with the Phoenix Police Department and providing support to the child and their family.
In conclusion, the incident at Orangewood Elementary involving Abel Gblah has raised concerns about safety procedures and the supervision of registered sex offenders. The school district is taking steps to ensure the safety of students and staff while working with law enforcement to address the situation.