Clinton janitor fired by school district

ProtectingKids, sorry for the confusion. I just ment that if the Rock County Sheriff's Department were to arrest Torkilson I would LIKE to applaud them. Obviously I won't be doing that now. Mr. Angus, does the Gazette have a copy of the "inappropriate" note that Torkilson left on the desk of the fourth grade boy? If so could it be published for all to see?

No arrest. Latest story in today's Gazette and online:
http://gazettextra.com/news/2008/may/29/...

Scott Angus
Editor

Officer Friendly...they arrested him??????

And thank you Mr. Angus for making this known to the general topic. I know there are a few that really want to believe that he is just a good guy, and he did nothing wrong. But for anyone who works or volunteers with youth that have gone through this issue, we KNOW that this a huge problem in our society, AND we know the tatics of a groomer. I FOR ONE, really WANT the public to be informed on this subject so you CAN protect your kids!

Please WAKE UP people!

I applaud the Gazette for reporting the facts. I would like to applaud the Rock County Sheriff's Department for arresting Torkilson for "948.11 Exposing a child to harmful material or harmful descriptions or narrations".

The Gazette initially reported that Torkilson had been fired and that police had seized his computer and were investigating. Those are facts.

Saturday's follow-up story reported that authorities found nothing illegal on the computer. However, the investigation continues, and we expect more information soon. We will report that information as soon as it is available.

Here is a link to Saturday's follow-up story:
http://www.gazettextra.com/news/2008/may...

Scott W. Angus
Editor

Clinton Citizen........I hope you read the Sat. Gazette about this story. According to the article.....the investigation is NOT CLOSED.

And far as suing the gazette......for WHAT? Open records that they can read and report on?

You are right, charges were NEVER filed againist him and Rock County has CLOSED the investigation! Doesn't that make you wonder why the Gazetter published his name? Have you ever wondered why other media didn't pick up the story? Why would Mr. Torkilson want his job back? I think all he wants back is his life! Could he sue? Probably! Who should he sue? THE GAZETTE!!! Will he sue? That is his decision! Protecting Kids, try walking in Mr. Torkilsons shoes these last two months and see how false accusations can change your life and your families life. I appreciate the fact that you are a "champion" in childrens rights and we all should be concerned about the safety of our children...but don't assume that if he doesn't sue that he is afraid of anything being aired in public!!!!!!! How much more public can this whole thing be? So...to the Janesville Gazette....When will the "good news" be printed about Mr. Torkilson? Will you be as quick to jump on the bandwagon now as you were when you were "the only" media that chose to make it story?

What do you mean, they have been dropped? They hadn't arrested him, they were just looking into the situation. So there is nothing to "drop."

He is still fired, right? If he was exhonerated, he would have his job back, or could sue. So here is my thought, he won't sue, because all of what he did will be aired in public. And if there is any really inapproiate behavior, it will really be known then.

As I said before, in the very least, he didn't use wisdom.

THE CHARGES AGAINST MR. TORKILSON HAVE BEEN DROPPED! HE'S INNOCENT! Hopefully the gazette and the Clinton Topper will write stories about THAT but I'm sure they won't. Now Dr. Kiefert needs to write an apology to Mr. Torkilson. She needs to write one directly to him, one to be posted in the gazette and one for the Clinton Topper! I really hope Mr. Torkilson sues the Clinton School District for causing damage to his image!

Where is the follow-up on this story?
I just heard that Ron was exonerated, and, if this is the case, it would be really nice for the Ragzette to print it.

I TOO AM A GRADUATE OF CLINTON AND HAVE CHILDREN WHO GO TO SCHOOL THERE. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT ALL THE ACCUSATIONS THAT ARE FLYING AROUND ABOUT MR. TORKILSON. WETHER THEY ARE TRUE OR NOT, IS FOR THE LAW TO DECIDE, NOT US!!! EVERYONE IS INNOCENT UNTIL FOUND GUILTY? I BELIEVE THE SCHOOL SHOULD HAVE SENT A LETTER HOME TO INFORM US THAT MR. TORKILSON HAD BEEN FIRED FOR A VIOLATION OF SCHOOL BOARD POLICY. THERE IS A TOTAL LACK OF COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE SCHOOL AND THE PARENTS IN CLINTON.

if that is the case that he is INNOCENT, then I am truly sorry for what he is going through with trying to clear his name.

however, if a case/investigation is on-going and there isn't enough evidence to convict, but he still was acting "inappropriately", then I believe the public has a right to know of the investigation in order to a) teach him how to behave appropriately with minors and 2) allow parents to decide if they do or do not want their child(ren) to be in the presence of someone who potentially has the ability to harm the child(ren). The prosecutor must prove by a preponderance of the evidence that a crime occurred. Just because there is not enough evidence does not make someone who actually is guilty of committing an act become innocent. It just means they got away with it.

I know nothing whatsoever of this man or any of the people involved. The Gazette's job is to report the news. There IS an investigation, and he WAS fired. Not much liability in that regard, if I were to decide.

obviously the school is back tracking because of a lawsuit. If i'm torkilson i'm going after the school, the gazette and any other paper that has said anything. everyone was pretty quick to assume but nobody is trying very hard to publish the letter that states there was no sexual misconduct!!!! I get people will think what they want but there is no way to EVER clear your name once you've been accused of something so hideous. I'm pretty sure torkilson is involved with church, emt, city board, ect... So for accusations to be throw around before an investigation you can bet i'd own half of what everybody that opened there mouth owns!!!!!!

Clinton Mom...

You assume a great many things with your comment. I don't live in Clinton anymore, but HOWEVER I DO volunteer to work with neglected/abused kids, in a wonderful program called CASA. I also am a volunteer youth leader at my church. Between those two, I volunteer about 20 hours a week to help on the behalf of all childern and youth.

This is a subject that greatly bothers and affects this community and many others, the abuse/suspected abuse of children or youth.

There is nothing wrong with talking about it on this blog. As a matter-of-fact, talking about it and keeping the signs of abuse/neglect open in the public, helps to assure that it doesn't happen again.

April is national prevent child abuse month. My question is back to you, what are you doing to help prevent the abuse/neglect of our children?

Well, nice to see that you are all beating this to death. If you truely want to help then get up and help. Did anyone see the letter that went home about the Red Honda that tried to pick up a 4K Boy at Clinton Elementry. With the time that you all have spent here you could have mandated a school board meeting to help set policy. Just open you eyes see your kids and look out for the un parented latch key one too. PLEASE I BEG HELP OUT>

Cougar Mom: We have not seen the letter by Mrs Keifert, so we can't comment on what was written in it and what wasn't.

BUT The gazette has not indicated that there was a sexual relationship either. Where do you see that?

The FACT is that there is an ongoing investigation. If anything turns up on Mr. Torkilson's computer, then God help him.

Is Dr. Kiefert speaking solely to the events that occurred under the umbrella of the Clinton School District and it's policy, or is she also speaking for the Clinton Police Department and the Rock County Sheriff's Department?
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I really don't see how she can address a criminal investigation in the role of an educational administrator.

Interesting turn of events this week regarding Mr. Torkilson. Dr. Kiefert sent home a letter to Clinton elementary students' parents regarding Mr. Torkilson. Dr. Kiefert's letter home said there was NO SEXUAL ANYTHING WHATSOEVER! She gave a TOTALLY DIFFERENT story than what was in the gazette. I'll bet there will be an apology in the paper to Mr. Torkilson for making such awful accusations. Maybe all the readers of the Gazette should write to Dr. Kiefert and/or the Clinton School Board and ask why the story now is different. Are they afraid of a law suit?

i live in the elkhorn school district and a month or so ago there was a complaint of a bus driver throwing a kindergartener against the window and smacking him in the face. although i know this is not the same kind of allegation against the janitor but the driver was allowed to drive the same bus still for a week before the investigation was complete and then she was fired. and there was never any letter home or anything. unless your kid said something to you or you heard from another parent it was a hush hush situation.

JCK, you were kidding, right? OF COURSE parents should have that conversation with their kids...more than once! Unfortunately, it's needed almost as often as "pick up your socks"..."don't talk to strangers"...THE PROBLEM is when the perpetrator IS NOT A STRANGER. Don't turn this around to blame the parents. The person who should be held accountable for his actions is the ADULT who should have known better than to spend time with little kids for his pleasure, regardless of whether he was giving them candy while showing them porn on his computer or taking them to lunch after a game so they would "trust him". Parents have a huge obligation to raise their children in the best way possible. Making sure the "bare minimum" of information is given to those parents is key.

ms sassy, Shouldn't parents have already had that dialogue with their children by the time they're sending them off to school or should they wait until a school official sends them a notice and tells them it's time?

Whatever536 - While I sympathize with your emotions and outrage, you need to take a step back and better understand the situation. (1) the school board cannot legally dismiss employment for "allegations" against an employee, but they can dismiss employment for infractions of policy. (2) To suggest the school/school board should have sent home a "warning" over what is, at this juncture, allegations of criminal misconduct is to invite a law suit, public panic, and parents to seek tall trees holding short ropes. You cannot equate a memo over snow closings to a memo over suspected sexual misconduct.
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The school board acted appropriately, in due time, and in the best interest of our children. It's now up to the authorities and the legal system to determine the future of Mr. Torkilson.

fyi: janesville school district has been sending out notices of suspicious people/vehicles that have been noticed near elementary schools. Clinton schools could (should?) have done the same without necessarily naming his name specifically, but giving a general description of his activities that were suspicious and then leave it up to the parents to open up the dialog to inform their child(ren) that AT THE VERY LEAST to be observant and give them suggestions of what to do if they are ever approached, etc...awareness and being proactive, having general conversations for children's safety and being responsible caregivers are necessary in this day and age!

Has Torkilson been suspended from the Clinton EMS pending the outcome of the criminal investigation? Can he be suspended from the Clinton Village Board? If it's possible he should be suspended from both. Do you want this guy making decisions for the community or coming to your house on the ambulance if your child is injured?

As for why he was fired, I would think that "opening the school to some fourth-grade boys during non-school hours." as stated in the article should be grounds enough.

"mentally ill" is stretching it at this point, darius.

If more facts come out and evidence on his computer is known it becomes something much different, much, much different.

This guy is a wolf in sheeps clothing.
Can't we come to a general consensus that the man is undeniably "mentally off" just for doing acts unbecoming of a human being? It's no different than the Michael Jackson saga! Actually, there is a difference, Jackson had the financial resources to buy the justice system off. Torkilson, more than likely does not. Accountability for one's actions should never be compromised! There is no peace without justice!

As the parent of a 4th grade boy I can tell you that there is no way a complete investigation has been done since they haven't talked to all of the possibily affected kids or their parents. In fact when we asked my son about the janitor he response was that he gives candy to all the kids (so he was aware of that much) and that he's been "on vacation". Without contacting the parents and talking to the kids how can any kind of investigation really take place? Not that I am advocating exposing all of the kids to potientially harmful questioning, I just don't know how this can be based on 2 kids - it doesn't add up that no other kids would have been affected if in fact anything happened.

Again Cougar, missing the point. The school district could have been proactive in letting us know a little bit of what was going on. Lets look at what happens in say Law Enforcement. Officer suspected of.... They could have done something. Maybe they were using the paper as their way of doing with a press release, but this seems a very ineffective way to notify all of the "taxpayers", concerned parents or what have you. The crime lab no longer goes through computers for anything, that is done by DCI in Madison. They are fast, however not everything can be recovered. I agree with friendly, based on what the children have said, as long as they were interviewed in a manner which allows there statement to be viewed as not done in a leading manner (a step-wise interview) than the Torkelson should be charged with what friendly suggested.

So it's against school board policy to publicly give any reason for the termination? Is this a law or just school board policy? I suspect the policy is written this way due to pressure from the powerful WEAC union. Whatever the case, it should be changed to protect the children!

If someone really wants to know about school district policies, they could surely find out with a call to the district office -- it's what grownups do. And sometimes we have to be patient, waiting for things to happen. It's what grownups do. But idle gossip and speculation doesn't take us any place good. See ya'.

My question is, why hasn't Torkilson already been arrested and charged with "948.11 Exposing a child to harmful material or harmful descriptions or narrations" based solely on the statements of the two 4th graders. Sure there is some conflict between their statements but both stated they viewed pornography on Torkilson's computer. Had they not been at Torkilson's house "inappropriately" they would not have viewed the pornography at all. People are arrested every day in domestic incidents based solely on the statement of the other party involved with no physical evidence or witnesses. If Torkilson is charged and there is a pending court date the crime lab might expedite the search of his computer.

Cougarfan, are we reading the same article? Everything in the story is "inappropriate activity"! There must have been enough "inappropriate activity" for a judge to issue a search warrant. I don't think he'll have much of a lawsuit. So your solution is to keep everything quiet until the criminal investigation is done? Who knows "how long it will take the lab to investigate the computers".

Cougar, get a life, obviously he did something to get fired, and the police don't investigate a person just because he got fired from a job. In order to get a search warrant for someone's home, they need probable cause! Probable cause that a crime was committed, not a school policy violation. They should have sent home something! They dismiss the school early at the threat of a snow storm, but they don't send home a letter explaining that the Police are investigating a school employee.. Get with the program!

officerfriendly1 - There are two problems with a letter saying that Mr. Torkilson was fired for "inappropriate activity." First, there are no details in the article to indicate **why** he was fired; it may not be true. Second, I would guess that that would not be allowed -- and could make great grounds for a lawsuit -- but that's a question for a lawyer.

Also, as we talk to our kids, we should be careful -- it's easy to taint their testimony with our own ideas. It happens all the time. It even happens with adults. Right now, the article mentions two conflicting accounts from kids; I don't know which one is accurate, if either. Let's wait and see.

Why couldn't the letter which should have been sent home to parents say, Torkilson was "fired March 17 after an internal investigation of a violation of school board policy" involving inappropriate activity? Thank God the Gazette ran the article, otherwise how was anyone supposed to even know about it so they could talk to their children to obtain possible "actual information".

wakeupamerica no iam not stupid for letting my 7 year old daughter have a cell phone. it actually has been a great responsibility for her since she got it for christmas. yes she is always around an adult but she is also a active person and goes to camps and outings were she carpools with other people and it is easier to call her on her phone than to have 6 other numbers for whom ever is driving her at that time.

School district personnel matters are confidential, so a letter to parents could probably not have said more than what Dr. Kiefert was quoted in the paper as saying -- that Mr. Torkilson was "fired March 17 after an internal investigation of a violation of school board policy." Almost all of the substance of the article came from other sources. As a parent of kids in the Clinton schools, I would not have found such a letter helpful.

As far as I can tell from the article, the various school and law enforcement personnel did exactly what they should have done; I'm concerned about the situation, but we in the public also have a responsibility to do the right thing -- which is to keep an open mind for now. The facts are unclear.

If anyone has any actual information, one way or the other, I would hope that they would share it with the investigators.

The only communication the Elementary school has addressed is sending home a note with the kids saying that a 4 year old kindergartener saw someone suspicious hanging out at school in a red Honda.... They are not very effective in communication... and I am sure there are many parents that do not read the paper and do not know of this situation!

My children attend clinton elem, and the lack of communication VERY frustrating-we still have not been told anything. Kiefert is handling this very poorly, and the principal seems to be hiding under his desk. Apparently teachers were kept in the dark as well.My dau. told me a janitor's office is ajoined with the boys' bathroom-it gives me the creeps.

The person in this article's motives are very suspicious, but to print an article that all but labels him a child molester all but assures that he will never get a job again. The behavior does sound like "grooming behavior", but an unbiased investigation must be done for the best interest of the community and the suspect. What did they fire him for? My kids go to the school, and I find it crazy that they school didn't send home anything with the children, as they do for every other stupid little thing!

I just wanted to add to this discussion because I also carry concern about this topic. I understand that he has not been proven guilty yet but I just want people to look back about 20 years ago in a similar case in Beloit with their school system and the school janitor. His name was Richard Deleu. He was a sick man who harmed several girls and the teachers knew about several acccounts and did nothing. Later when a student came forward several others came forward and Delue was sent to jail. He also took little kids but only girls to his janitor closet which he called the boiler room and gave candy and tried to build trust. Which later led to rape in a bathroom. The internet did not exist back them but he liked to bring dirty pictures to school and make disturbing comments. He was found guilty and the school system was also. Many teachers lost their pensions and the school district lost over a million dollars. Children don't usually make up stuff like that at that age and it can happen even in Clinton. I also want to add that as someone who was friends with his younger children family members......wierd stuff went on in that house. That is all I will say for now. Clinton School district needs to be careful because they cannot afford to lose the way Beloit did. And as far as anyone asking well how do you know so much about Beloit? I was the little 3rd grade girl who was the first to tell.

Ms. Sassy...my point exactly. DW please read my original post.

dw, this is true; however, if there was enough "evidence" for him to be fired, I am quite certain that he did not merely use "bad judgment". Let's see what the judge and/or jury determine.

Nevertheless, we need to take steps in every community to ensure that people realize the harmful affects of sexual predators .

Hey all....let's please remember, he has not been charged with anything at this point. And, even then, isn't it still innocent until proven guilty? I agree with the fears and concerns, but let's please not be a pack of animals smelling blood.
After all, maybe the only thing that will come of this is bad judgment on Mr. Torkilson's part. Let's pray that it is.

btw: there is a difference in blaming the victims and their parents and EDUCATING the public on how predators groom their next victim(s) so that when red flags go up, parents (and teachers, school administrators, waitresses and coaches alike) will better know how to protect the children before something catastrophic happens.

We cannot turn a blind eye or bury our heads in the sand on the problems related to child sexual assault, but no matter how much protection, love and attention we give our children, though, bad things can still happen to them.

ProtectingKids, THANK YOU! It's wonderful to see so many parents on here wanting to make a difference now that something nightmarish may have occurred.

I'm sad; however, that so many comments here on the gazette extra claim that it's not the government or the taxpayers who should "foot the bill", that we don't need social service agencies to take care of other people's kids...the parents should be the one's who are responsible for that...and on and on.

Boys and Girls clubs all over the country are struggling to get funding and volunteers to help run their programs.

Right now, emotions are elevated and people are asking "how can this be?" When the reality is: nobody cares until something so outrageous happens that it gets the public's attention. In a few years, people will be complaining that we don't need any programs for the little rugrats and asking where the parents are for the children who are accessing services/programs and blaming the victims...it is a vicious circle.

I hope that the children's families who have been affected by the investigation will eventually be able to heal from the pain that, in reality, will last a lifetime. I am thankful on a daily basis that nothing like this ever happened to my children. Let's try not to blame the parents for what has happened. It can happen to anyone, unfortunately. And it happens more than most people care to acknowledge.

My two cents worth:

1. As someone who grew up in the country near Clinton...Mr. Torkilson is well known in the community, and also has lived there most of his life. So he is not some random person that they hired a few years ago, he has many ties to the community.

2. People in postions of authority over kids, or who work in a school setting, need to use wisdom. Wisdom is NOT giving kids candy, having lunch with them, spending excess time alone with them or seeking children out.

3. Once again, these are real people involved. Real families and real INNOCENT children. Ron's Mom does indeed still live in Clinton and it will be hard for her also.

4. Every family that has a computer NEEDS to have filters on their computers. Filters that protect children's eyes from "accidentally" clicking on something they shouldn't. That is also GREAT WISDOM.

5. I am impressed as always, at the Clinton pull together attitude. Mom's who have written on this site, wanting to find a solution to helping children that go home to empty homes and who need some place safe to be after school. Well done!

And lastly, keeping children safe is EVERYONE'S job. Parents, you NEED to inform yourselves with "grooming" techniques of sexual predators. Just google and type in "grooming of children" Our kids are depending on us. April is national Prevent Child Abuse month, don't stand on the sidelines, do something about it. Make your community a better place to live. That, my friends, is wisdom!

this article brings back sad memories for me as for my twins were molested by their father and he was never charged because the da said there was not enough evidence to charge him even though he confessed to a police officer. I just hope this does not happen again in this town.

I would like to know if the Clinton School District had checked the background on this man before they hired him. If not Clinton School District should also be held accountable.

I am deeply disturbed by the article and the fact that no concrete evidence has been proven.
I am also very upset with Dr. Kiefert for not
giving the Clinton School District parents advanced notice of the article in the paper, radio news and television news. Everything seemed to be so secretive. I've heard the stories about him but never in my wildest imagination ever thought he was capable of what is being said about him. His life will be ruined for ever if nothing is ever proven about him and would have a good case for a lawsuit against the school district for defamation of character and slander. If it is true, then he should get the punishment he is due. Let's not lynch him until all the facts are proven against him and our justice system finds him guilty. And yes, I do have children in the Clinton School District and this accusation against him very much disturbs me.

"That is why a small town like this will never grow..." I'm not sure I agree with your reasoning wakeupamerica, but I'm all for small towns staying small. I never could understand the whole "we have to grow or we'll die" theory. The only things that come with growth are increased services and increased taxes.

mirandalee... u let your 1st grader have a phone? R you kidding me! what does a 7 yr old need a phone for. They should always be near or w/ an adult at all time anyways. Does your 1st grader go to the movies, the mall, looking for girls? Are you really that stupid. Why spend that kind of money on a phone when the kid can barely use it. 4th graders don't need phones either! We have an extra phone only for are kids to take to a sleep over or other events like that. We have the phone on us at all times til it is needed for those certain occastions. I was in high school before I had anything and it was a beeper. A beeper... what a waste without a phone. What i'm getting at is society is being run by T.V., paper, radio, THE DAMN MEDIA people. We need to take back our lives and quit allowing others how to run our lives. Why do we have to have the best of the best? What happened to us (the parents) raising our kids? We try to find the easy way out, it's a sad thing what we are all becoming! The Clinton School System is alright. There is A LOT of room for improvement. A small town like this is always affraid of the worse. They never think that anything bad will ever happen. That is why a small town like this will never grow, change, or be able to except that problems can occur no matter where you live. Don't get me wrong I like the town, but coming from a big school/town I know how to react to change. In the end I hope everything that needs to be done will be done.

That decision should have been a no brainier.

i dont see the problem with a 4th grader with a cell phone as my 1st grader has one. but i would never let that be my means of parenting.

Regarding Clinton Teachers: the only teachers who would know about the details of this investigation would be the 4th grade teachers. Legally, the other teachers would not be informed of the details, and as long as the janitor was dismissed, there was no imminent danger toward students. I would again like to commend the 4th grade teachers because I know they reported this when the danger signs appeared. The Clinton students were safe and being looked out for by their teachers.

The old middle school across from the elem. school is not empty. A family owns it and lives there. They have been working on remodeling it as their home.

notsosmart,
If I were you, I would open your hard drive and clean out your cookies and temporary files on a daily bases, maybe run spy bot search and destroy, to kill your pop up problem. You get them because of cookies or mal ware thats installed on your computer.

Wow... a 4th grader with a cell phone. Just. Wow.

I would love to talk about this in person...not sure how that would work? Good can come...but you're right, funding is always a problem. If more parents would get involved in Home and School,for one, we could do some great fund-raising and make things happen. I would encourage the volunteers you know of and yourself to get involved that way as a start. (If you aren't involved already. I wasn't implying that you don't help in some way, so please don't take offense):)

As a matter of fact we do have an old middle school that is sitting empty that just screams fill me with kids, and safe activities.

Psalms- this is true. but the day you open the paper and all is good, we have a bigger problem. I suppose that is a diffent topic. I love the idea of the after school program and I would love to do it. Seems like you have a great idea. I dont know how to do it, but I would volunteer all my afternoons. I also know of some teenagers that would like to tutor, and some adults that could volunteer. Funding is the problem. Any suggestions?

Sorry, but I have one more point to make...it will be even harder to find good coaches and volunteers for our kids now. If someone does have good intentions with the kids, they will really have to watch every thing they do and say. We are all going to be sensitive to things more than ever now. The world is sure a different place and it's sad.

I also feel that adding this would be helpful for our kids and his defense. This site shows 4 people that are offenders right now today. Take a look. Never mind that at least 1 already lives in clinton. Dont hang this man yet..we dont have the facts. Also, in his defense we have had a lot of snow days in clinton and lunch could have been the last thing on the parents mind. Website is: www.offender.doc.state.wi.us/public/

Anotherclintonmom2...you are so right. All you have to do is go to the Clinton library after school and see all the kids nobody is watching. They are there being loud, using the computers to make nasty ,sexual comments to girls on MySpace and play war games(I saw this for myself on several occasions). Remember, this could be the sibling of the two 4th grade boys...we don't know. It's sad when the librarian says that if she sends them away for bad behavior, she worries because she knows they will just be home alone, and this way at least she knows they are safe. That means that my kids see and hear what they say and do and that's not fair when I am trying to be a good parent and take my kids to the library! Other parents DO need to care about the kids, I just don't know what the answer is. Maybe Clinton needs an after school teen program or something? Not just for teens, I guess, since this alleged incident was a 4th grader.

I agree with the statement about 4th graders having access to a cell phone that a janitor would feel comfortable leaving a voice-mail on. There are so many things this brings up. The cell phone, the fact that these parents must not have known that their 4th grade son had a "best friend" who was a man in his 50's, who took him to lunch and went to watch his games? I do know that Ron went to several games, so this didn't surprise me. I have said for a long time that Clinton is a town full of naive people.This CAN and DID happen in our town. Let's have some good come out of it by showing our own children the right way to handle things, by teaching them not to be the judge, jury and exocutioner before we even have all the facts. To play the blame game is foolish and unproductive. Ron's Mom must be in so much pain, as I know the parents of these boys must be. More prayer and less lynch mob mentality would serve this community well. It wasn't that long ago that we had another tragedy where kids lost their father. The kids suffer. Turn anger into prayer and show our kids that they can trust adults to act right and do the right thing when something bad happens. CLINTONMOM...something must have happened for you to have such strong feelings 2 years ago...yet nothing was done, but you post it now? You protected your own kids but not mine? Either what happened wasn't really anything, or you made a bit of a mistake by not telling someone. Or maybe you did and nothing was done? Either way, we should learn a lesson here... Communities need to ban together...the lesson should be that we SHOULD trust our gut and protect our kids.

I’ve had pop up porn come from sites as conservative as foxnews.com.
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I’m not defending this guy if he is indeed guilty of a crime. I just think that he is deserving of due process before we hang him.

I would like to say this. Thank you MR. B...You are always the right person in our community. Our small community has several children that are left unattented. Like other towns we have children that live with drucken parents and abusive siblings. In general the children that arent being parented well are being raised by other parents. Mr. B looks out for our kids. Our teachers push hard but they care alot about all our kids. I would like to know what this janitors background check showed. And what will be implemented for the following janitor. Help save our kids. We cant even send them to school with out harm. By the way...Do you remember the shooting that happened only a block away from our elementry school. School seems to be one huge game of getting out unharmed. As if the student bullings werent enough. Help save our kids.

4th graders are 9 and 10 year olds. I have had my computer for 4 years and have yet to get a porno pop up...wonder what sites you must visit...

Or "hear" about.

Remember, it's the ones we don't here about that we should worry the most about.

Hey What_the, you must not know anything about what teachers can and can not do. If a teacher told other people (including other staff), they could get into big trouble. Again, don't knock the teachers. It is the system that is whacked. By the way, I do not work in Clinton but am a mandated reporter.

You know what I find funny if this was a teacher with there students it makes entertainment tonight, but because it is a janitor accused not convicted thw witch hut is on. What gives people allow the police to do there job before you bash what could be an innocent man.

My child also attends Clinton Elementary and I had first heard of this a few weeks ago. I am happy for the quick response of the staff, however I am disgusted that the school has not sent any kind of letter home informing parents. Every parent has a right to know what has been going on and to talk to their own child before they hear it from some friend at school. We chose to talk to our child about it and he informed us of how Ron Torkilson likes to give the boys snake bites on their arms and give out candy. I was also shocked to see Dr. Keifert say she was not sure if he would be eligible for rehire. Is she crazy?

Hey cougar, I know for a fact that their were teachers in the school that had no idea what was going on. Which to me shows a lack of communication in the school district, of course unless they lied to a parent.

Yes, on the weekend when was in 4th grade I would eat lunch with my parents. I guess in today's world we just give them a cell phone and tell them to call us if they need anything. Let's be honest, who would let their 4th grader hang out with a school janitor on the weekends or after school? If he is guilty give him the needle, but if today's answer to parenting is a cell phone, I'm not surprised this is happening.

I would like to commend the teachers for doing a great job with their reporting. Had it not been for them, this may still be going on. As for a recent comment about "Where were the teachers and how does a 4th grade boy get to leave school? " I would like to say to them to get the facts before bashing the teachers. The lunches occurred on Saturday! The teachers really were there for the kids on this one.

why hurry? lets leave him in the community so he can have his way with more young boys. the guy is 53 and described as a nice guy. aren't they all. he has been doing bad things for a very long time and just now got caught. i hope the gazette keeps up on the story because if he gets a slap on the hand and moves into my neighborhood, i want to know who he is.

You eat lunch on weekends too....

How does a 4th grader leave school to have lunch with a janitor? What were the teachers doing?

The Gazette does not have a policy against using pictures of people who are charged with sexual assault.
This man has not been arrested.

Scott Angus
Editor

“If we don’t find any, our investigation is pretty much at a standstill,”
Are you kidding?!?!?!
Candy and improper notes and voice mails? Sounds like the investigation has plenty to move forward on with out waiting for the State crime lab to tell them anything.

To all who want a picture of the "perp". I have been told it's a policy of the Gazette not to print the picture of someone accused of sexual assault. I think that may apply in this case. I think it's a good policy that should continue. It shows restraint, and responsibility on the part of the Gazette.

I'm curious if Clinton Police Dept. utilized the CAREHouse to interview the children involved so they will not have to testify in court, if of course, the charges stick and the DA deems this case as winnable.

intheloop and DanHartung, you were correct. Sorry I over reacted. As soon as he has been arrested; however, I hope the Gazette, and specifically Scott Angus, makes the decision to publish his picture.

Clintonmom, I also agree with you. More often than not, we have to go with our intuition, as "proof" doesn't always surface to back up our suspicions. I will never patronize the business of a local ice cream guy who was a perpetrator of young boys as well. My gut told me from the first few times I went there that something is "creepy" there. I am following the rules and not attempting to harass his business, but again, if you don't want to get dirty stay out of the mud...

FYI: April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. I don't have the most current statistic, but in 2003, 1 in 4 boys under the age of 12 were assaulted sexually. This is definitely having an impact on an individual's sexuality as adults, as countless reports state that male victims of child sexual assaults become offenders as adults.

I think that what we need to remember is that he has a wife and family that is not only very nice, but she is a business owner in Clinton as well. Please be respectful when bashing him.

Also, this is not surprising that many parents did not hear of this sooner, in December when there was an incident in Clinton with a shooting~ the schools took the liberty of telling the children the details, really before parents were given the option of telling their children. I wanted my child to know of the incident for sensitivity reasons, but not in the detail the school gave.

I personally know Mr. Torkilson and I am absolutely shocked. I do not believe any of this is true. He is very nice, friendly man and someone has taken it the wrong way.
Proof once again that even the nice guys get blamed.

Devilsadvocate, my thoughts exactly. Also, there should have been a letter sent home to parents immediately so parents could talk to their children. If there are more victims, why not interview them early in the investigation instead of waiting? Maybe there would have been other evidence to search for in the search warrant? If there was it's probably gone now! Isn't Mr. Torkilson a Clinton village board member?