Lubbock man charged with sexual assault at elementary school

By Tiffany Pelt

A Frenship elementary custodian is behind bars and charged with sexually assaulting another custodian while working at the school.

55-year-old Marcelo Salas works at Crestview Elementary but has been on administrative leave since April 11, after several female custodians came forward and said he was sexually harassing them.

Salas was arrested last Friday and charged with sexual assault, two counts of assault, and disorderly conduct.

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According to the 13-page arrest warrant, all incidents of sexual harassment and assault occurred on campus at Crestview. Three female custodians say Salas harassed them by making inappropriate sexual comments to them at work.

One woman says back in March, Salas cornered her in an empty kindergarten classroom and sexually assaulted her. Other women say he forcefully grabbed their faces and kissed them.

The arrest warrant says many of the custodians were afraid to come forward for fear of losing their jobs. However, several finally stepped up and told investigators what happened to them.

Wednesday evening, Frenship ISD’s director of public relations, Andy Penney, released this statement in regards to Salas’ arrest:

“When allegations of misconduct are reported, a thorough investigation takes place and the appropriate actions soon follow. This situation occurred in the evening hours after the school day was complete, and it does not involve students in any way. However, Frenship I.S.D. takes this situation very seriously, and we will continue to ensure that we provide a safe, quality environment to all of our students and employees.”

The arrest warrant also states that an agent from the Border Patrol Office says Salas is a Cuban refugee who came to the U.S. in 2005. He applied for a work visa that same year, but it expired in 2006.

When KCBD asked Penney what background information is checked before a person is hired at Frenship I.S.D., he told us they require a social security card, fingerprints, and a criminal background check – all of which Penney says Salas had.

The arrest warrant states that a background check was done on Salas but there was no criminal history.

In order to get out of jail, Salas would have to post bonds totaling more than $150,000.

Source : kcbd