12-02-2025
More alleged victims come forward after Lawrence teacher charged with assault
LAWRENCE, Kan. — A Lawrence, Kansas teacher is facing sexual assault of a minor and kidnapping charges.
Douglas County prosecutors charged Mark Gridley, a teacher at Prairie Park Elementary.
Lawrence police announced on Tuesday that more alleged victims have come forward since the news broke on Monday. Now, detectives are expanding the investigation.
Deputy Chief Anthony Brixius said the investigation will include potential students outside of those receiving speech services at the school.
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Gridley, 60, was a speech and language pathologist at Prairie Park Elementary School.
He's under the age of 14 and one count of kidnapping.
Brixius said according to public records, Gridley's worked in the Lawrence School District since 2021.
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.
'It's heartbreaking and if you hear a parent call in and talk about what they spoke with their children about and the parents thus far have been good about following the directions,' Brixius said. 'You can certainly hear the pain in their voices and we have a lot of investigators on this right now.'
Lawrence Public Schools said Monday 'The district immediately relieved the individual of all duties.'
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Gridley's being held on a $1.5 million bond. His next court appearance is Wednesday.
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