A former Papillion school custodian, accused of sexually assaulting a young student, is in court Tuesday morning.
Leon Spacil, 78, is charged with one count of 3rd degree sexual assault in Sarpy County Court. His bond is reduced to $25,000 – 10%. Spacil posted bail Tuesday afternoon, but cannot have contact with anyone under 19.
The Papillion Police Dept. says about 3 years ago, Spacil sexually assaulted a 6th grade girl at Trumble Park Elementary during the school day while he was employed as the custodian. He retired from the Papillion-La Vista Community School District a few years ago apparently for health reasons.
Recently the student reported the incident to a Papillion South High School counselor which led to the arrest.
"I don't think he's a danger to the public in any way shape or form. Again I don't know why these allegations were even made, whether they're true or not, we'll investigate it but he's not a danger to anybody," said Thomas Strigenz, Sarpy Co. Public Defender.
Doctor Renee Hyde, the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources with the PLCSD, says when staff witnesses or sees this type of abuse they immediately report to police or Child Protective Services.
“We build relationships with students to make sure they feel comfortable in reporting anything that might happen to them or anything that they know of that has happened to a friend of theirs. If you see something say something,” Dr. Hyde explained.
Authorities are now investigating if there were any other students victimized at the hands of Spacil.
The victim's family tells KMTV Action 3 News that they stand 100% behind what their daughter says, and want others to come forward if they've been hurt so it can't happen to anyone else.
If convicted, Spacil faces 0-3 years in prison.
