MANITOWOC (NBC 26) — A Manitowoc school district employee is accused of grooming a 15-year-old child for sexual contact, according to the Manitowoc Police Department.
Manitowoc Police said they received a report Aug. 11 for concerns of an adult that was in an apparent inappropriate relationship with a 15-year-old student, allegedly making unwanted sexual advances towards the child.
As a result of the investigation, police arrested a 32-year-old special education paraprofessional in the Manitowoc Public School District, after determining she allegedly participated in a pattern of behavior that was considered grooming of the child for sexual contact.
NBC 26 is withholding the employee's name until formal charges are filed.
Police added it is not believed the employee participated in illegal acts at any school district facilities.
The paraprofessional was taken into custody Thursday on charges of grooming of a child for sexual activity and sexual misconduct by a school staff person, according to police.
In a statement provided to media, a spokesperson with the Manitowoc Public School District said the employee was immediately placed on administrative leave.
"The District will continue to cooperate with law enforcement and to conduct its own personnel investigation of this matter," the statement read. "[The employee] will remain on unpaid administrative leave pending the conclusion of that personnel investigation, at which time the District will take all appropriate actions warranted by the investigation."
Police said there is no evidence at this time indicating other children were harmed. Those with any additional information are encouraged to contact Detective Rebecca Schuettpelz at 920-686-6583, or the Manitowoc Police Department Shift Commanders’ Office at 920-686-6551. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 920-683-4466, or by utilizing the P3 App.
