photo by: Chris Conde

Lawrence Police Deputy Chief Anthony Brixius speaks at a news conference at the police department's headquarters on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025.

Police now believe there are “more than two potential victims” in the case of a speech pathologist accused of sex crimes against students at Prairie Park Elementary School, and they’re urging parents to talk to their kids and report anything concerning.

Lawrence Police Deputy Chief Anthony Brixius gave those updates at a press conference on Tuesday about the investigation into Mark Elliot Gridley, 60, of Lawrence.

Brixius said investigators had interviewed more Prairie Park Elementary students than the original two whom police mentioned in a press release on Monday, and that more possible victims have been identified.

“We do now know that there are more than two potential victims, and I’m not going to share with you the exact number that we believe at this time,” Brixius said.

photo by: Prairie Park Elementary Yearbook

Mark E. Gridley

Gridley, who was a speech and language pathologist at Prairie Park Elementary, 2711 Kensington Road, was arrested at the school on Saturday, as the Journal-World reported. He is no longer employed by the school district; Interim Superintendent Jeanice K. Swift said in a message to school families and staff, without referring to Gridley by name, that he was immediately terminated.

Brixius said the investigation was expanding “to include potential students outside of those receiving speech services,” and that the public’s help would be essential.

“That’s why you’re here today. We’re contacting you and asking for your help,” Brixius said.

Specifically, Brixius asked parents to talk to their children and contact police if they suspect something is wrong. He said concerned parents could also call (785) 830-7430 and have the department arrange a formal interview with the Children’s Advocacy Center of Douglas County.

“If you think that there’s the possibility that your child has had contact with Mr. Gridley, it’s important to ask some basic questions, and the second that they tell you, or if they tell you something that is concerning, we need you to reach out to us,” Brixius said.

As the Journal-World reported, Gridley was charged on Monday in Douglas County District Court with one count of aggravated indecent liberties with a child and one count of kidnapping. Both felony charges involve a child born in 2014.

Gridley is currently in custody at the Douglas County Jail and is being held on a $1.5 million bond. He is next scheduled to appear in court on Feb. 19 for a status conference.