photo by: Kim Callahan/Journal-World

A Lawrence Police Department patrol vehicle is pictured June 28, 2022.

Lawrence Police launched an investigation Saturday into an alleged sexual assault of two students at Prairie Park Elementary, and a school employee has been charged.

A concerned parent of one student called police Saturday morning about events that occurred during the school day on Friday, Feb. 7, according to a news release Monday from Lawrence police. Investigators quickly uncovered evidence that led to the Saturday night arrest of Mark Elliott Gridley. Gridley is a 60-year-old Speech and Language Pathologist at the school, 2711 Kensington Road.

He was charged Monday with one count of aggravated indecent liberties with a child and one count of kidnapping. Both charges involve a 10-year-old child. He was set to appear in court Monday afternoon.

Monday morning, investigators learned of a second possible victim. That alleged assault also occurred Friday morning at the school, police said.

“We are working closely with the Children’s Advocacy Center of Douglas County, USD 497 administrators, and the District Attorney’s office to ensure all expert services coordinate to uncover the complete scope of the potential harm and crimes committed,” the release said.

In addition to the on-site law enforcement presence, police have set up a phone line for parents who may need to report a concern about their child and any contact with Gridley. The phone number is (785) 830-7430.

Any parent who may have concerns about their child’s interaction with Gridley are asked to contact law enforcement before discussing it in-depth with their child.

Lawrence Police and the Children’s Advocacy Center of Douglas County are available to help speak with children. They are trained to address these issues while limiting the traumatic impact these discussions have on young victims, the release said.

Police said they would provide no further details at this time.