Father Says School Brushed Off Worries About Janitor Charged With Rape
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) - The father of a former Forest View student said he's upset the school didn't take his concerns about a school janitor more seriously.
The janitor, 54-year-old Brian Cleveland of Linwood Township, is now charged with rape.
Investigators say they also found child porn on Cleveland's school-issued computer.
"I was really, really angry," Jim Shegstad said. "I'm still ... angry enough that I have to watch my language right now."
Three years ago Shegstad became concerned when his 7-year-old daughter told him the school's janitor had been giving her candy.
"She said that he had them go back to his office," Shegstad said. "That's where I became troubled and asked her more questions."
Shegstad found out the janitor was Brian Cleveland. And while his daughter said Cleveland had never touched her inappropriately, Shegstad said he still talked to the assistant principal.
"He told me he didn't think it was anything to be concerned about and no other parents had complained," Shegstad said.
But after hearing the news that Cleveland is now accused of raping his 12-year-old adopted daughter and of possessing child porn, Shegstad said he knew his concerns were validated. And he quickly learned through social media that other parents had also complained to the school.
"At least five other parents I know of have the same complaint and got the same answer that no one else has complained and there shouldn't be a problem," Shegstad said.
Shegstad said the school's reaction is troubling. Even though his daughter liked her teachers, he pulled her out of Forest View. And he said he won't allow her to go back until school officials are held accountable.
"Until I know something has definitely been done about this, I can't let her go," Shegstad said.
A spokesman at Forest Lake Area Schools said that data privacy prevents the school from commenting.
The district did send a letter to parents, asking them to come forward with any concerns.
They will also hold a workshop for parents in September to discuss this further.
Cleveland is still employed by Forest Lake Schools, but he is not working in the buildings.