DENVER (KDVR) — A Loveland mom whose kid attends the school where a custodian was recently charged with indecent exposure in front of children at the school is frustrated with how the case has been handled.
Thompson School District said 85-year-old, Charles Littrell, worked for the district from 2001 up until Nov. 5, the day Tracey Taylor said her daughter came home from Lucile Erwin Middle School with alarming news.
“The janitor was busted doing some really bad stuff,” said Taylor, recalling what her daughter said to her.
In a letter to parents, the school district said three students witnessed Littrell in the bathroom engaging in inappropriate conduct. Court documents refer specifically to masturbation in view of minors, a class six felony charge.
“I was very alarmed,” she said. “I was very worried, as I think all of us parents were.”
The letter said the students reported the incident to staff members, who called the police.
“I am grateful that these boys ran straight to staff,” said Taylor. “I mean, I think we’re all pretty proud of them.”
Taylor stated she is upset with how the incident has been handled after the staff and students reported it to the police.
“Everybody did what they were supposed to do until it hit the DA’s desk,” she says.
Littrell was released on a PR bond, the Larimer County District Attorney’s office said he was able to leave custody on the condition he makes no contact with minors.
Taylor disagreed with the decision.
“I think that our community is at risk,” she said. “There he goes, right back into the community. Right around our kids again.”
The DA’s office provided this statement to FOX31 about the decision:
The purpose of a bond is to help ensure a defendant’s participation in the criminal justice system and it cannot be used as a punitive measure. The bond in this case was set keeping in mind Mr. Littrell’s advanced age, potential medical conditions, and lack of criminal history. Critically, the conditions of his bond include no contact with minors which we believe will ensure community safety until resolution. Our intention is to hold Mr. Littrell accountable and to fully prosecute this case. Mr. Littrell, like all defendants, is presumed innocent unless and until he is found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Court records show Littrell does have one other charge, misdemeanor cruelty to animals in 2005 while he was working for the district. That charge is something Taylor wishes didn’t go unnoticed.
“That is a huge red flag to me,” she said.
Taylor hopes that in the future, the school district will do stronger background checks on its hires.
Loveland PD is currently looking for any more potential victims and asks you to give them a call if you have any information.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by PostX News and is published from a syndicated feed.)