CRBC News
Society

Freed Sex Offender Allegedly Posed as a Doctor, Sexually Assaulted Student at Arizona Elementary

Freed Sex Offender Allegedly Posed as a Doctor, Sexually Assaulted Student at Arizona Elementary

Summary: Abel Kai Gblah, 25, was arrested after allegedly posing as a doctor and sexually assaulting a grade-school student at Orangewood Elementary on Nov. 19. The student escaped and staff called 911; police later apprehended Gblah. He was released from prison about two weeks earlier and is a registered sex offender. The district has launched an internal review, placed a staff member on leave, and Gblah is being held on a $500,000 cash-only bond with a preliminary hearing set for Dec. 1.

Overview: A 25-year-old man, Abel Kai Gblah, has been arrested and charged after allegedly impersonating a doctor and sexually assaulting a grade-school student inside Orangewood Elementary School in Arizona on Nov. 19. The child was able to push the suspect away and staff called 911. Police later located and arrested Gblah.

What happened

Police say an unauthorized man entered the school and drew a young student into a classroom by posing as a medical professional who needed to examine her. The student resisted, pushed the man away and staff immediately alerted law enforcement. The suspect fled the campus but was located and taken into custody shortly afterward.

Suspect background

Court records show the suspect is identified as Abel Kai Gblah, 25. Prosecutors say he was released from prison about two weeks before this incident and that he has prior convictions related to sexual conduct with a minor. He is also listed as a registered sex offender and has been linked in reports to alleged human-smuggling activity.

School response and investigation

The Washington Elementary School District placed the campus on lockdown for more than an hour while police responded. An internal review by the district found the suspect was on campus for roughly 10 minutes. Earlier accounts that he gained entry by following a student were updated after the review, which concluded he entered through an unlocked lobby door and walked in with a tardy student. A district staff member has been placed on administrative leave pending further review of procedures and communications.

Legal status

Gblah faces charges that include sexual assault and kidnapping. He is being held on a $500,000 cash-only bond, and a preliminary hearing has been scheduled for Dec. 1. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances that allowed the suspect on campus and are reviewing safety protocols to prevent similar incidents.

Note: All allegations are based on police statements, court records and the school district's internal review; Gblah's guilt must be proven in court.

Similar Articles