Citrus Heights School Closed After Principal Accused Of Molestation
CITRUS HEIGHTS (CBS13) -- A school in Citrus Heights has been shut down pending a criminal investigation of the school's principal and owner, Robert B. Adams, for child molestation. But several current parents and his family claim he could never hurt a child.
Police closed Creative Frontiers School, located at 6446 Sylvan Road, after an ongoing investigation into molestation claims after at least 10 alleged victims came forward spanning over 15 years, according to Citrus Heights police.
The private preschool and elementary school has been open for 35 years.
"We have made actions today to remove the children from the school to ensure their safety and make sure they are home with their families," said Citrus Heights Police Officer Bryan Fritsch.
Adams has been named a person of interest, and is not in police custody but investigators say they are focusing their attention on him.
During a meeting Monday night, parents learned the school would be closed indefinitely. At least 80 students had been enrolled in the school's summer program.
Police also asked the parents to talk to their children to see if they could be victims.
CBS13 spoke with some parents of current students at the school who say they support Adams.
"The kids hug Mr. Bob," said one parent. "If I had even thought for a minute that something like that was going on, I wouldn't have my children there."
"I'm blown away by the allegations," said another parent who did not want to be identified. "I don't see how….I don't see it, no."
Bob Adam's family is also speaking out in support. Two of his three daughters are defending the longtime educator saying the allegations are coming from disgruntled parents upset over money for tuition and their kids' education.
"They have no evidence, but they came in and tore his school down, tore 35 years of his life down," said Robert Adams' daughter Tarah Campbell.
Although Adams has not been arrested, he has hired well-known defense attorney Linda Parisi who is upset over what she calls the "aggressive action of law enforcement."
"It's really a tragedy," said Parisi. "I certainly cannot explain this kind of behavior by law enforcement."
CBS13 tried to speak to Mr. Adams but could not locate him. His daughters say he is "shocked and saddened" by the allegations. The school's day care license and general business license have been suspended.
Citrus Heights Police Detectives are seeking any information regarding victims that have yet to come forward or information regarding unlawful activity at the school. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Joe Rangel at (916) 727-5849 or our dedicated crime tip line at (916) 727-5524.
