Police investigating SAD 1 worker for wrongdoing with kids

PRESQUE ISLE – Local police are investigating a school employee for alleged wrongdoing involving children under the age of 15 years old, officials said Tuesday.

In a brief statement, Police Chief Naldo Gagnon said that the investigation centers on an unidentified SAD 1 employee. The results of the investigation will be turned over to the Aroostook County District Attorney’s Office for possible grand jury proceedings, the chief said.

Assistant District Attorney Carrie Linthicum said that she was aware of a police investigation involving children under the age of 15.

Linthicum said she has not received a report and has not been informed of the name of the person being investigated. The prosecutor has no knowledge of whether the alleged offenses involve illegal drugs or were of a sexual nature.

“It’s not money as far as I know,” Linthicum said.

Telephone calls to Gehrig Johnson, SAD 1’s superintendent, were not returned Tuesday afternoon.

Gagnon said the investigation might be concluded by next week. The Aroostook County grand jury next meets Jan. 4 and 5, 2001.

The police chief declined to say what type of charges are alleged and whether the person being investigated was a teacher or other type of employee.

He also declined to say whether the alleged offense involved personnel or students at the elementary or secondary level.

Police have been investigating since last Thursday, Gagnon said.

The state police are not involved in the investigation, according to the chief.