Lawrence police requesting additional charges for teacher charged with assault
KANSAS ITY, Mo. -- The Lawrence Police Department have submitted a new charging affidavit to the Douglas County District Attorney's Office requesting new charges be filed against a Lawrence teacher.
Mark Gridley, 60, worked as a speech and language pathologist at Prairie Park Elementary School before his arrest. He's worked in the Lawrence School District since 2021.
Lawrence police announced Thursday that more alleged victims have come forward and the total number of victims is now eight.
The allegations made against Gridley reportedly occurred over a two-day period at the school from Feb. 6 to Feb. 7. Police said the victims range in age from 6 to 11 years old.
According to an affidavit released last week, one potential victim claimed that Gridley blindfolded him and tied his hands, saying he wanted to do a "tongue strength test."
He’s charged with one count of aggravated indecent liberties with a child under the age of 14 and one count of kidnapping.
Police continue to ask parents to speak with their children. They say it’s important to ID anyone impacted so they can get services to victims.
Gridley is being held in jail on a $1.5 million bond.