Calif. school closed in molestation probe, principal has defenders
(CBS/KOVR) SACRAMENTO - A school in Citrus Heights, Calif. 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 Monday after an ongoing investigation into molestation claims after at least 10 alleged victims came forward over 15 years, according to Citrus Heights police, reports CBS affiliate KOVR.
"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, widely known as "Mr. Bob," has been named a person of interest, and is not in police custody, but investigators say they are focusing their attention on him.
Several people who spoke to KOVR defended the principal.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."
Two of Adams' three daughters also publicly defended 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 daughter Tarah Campbell.During the 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 might be victims.
Adams has hired well-known defense attorney Linda Parisi, who complained about what she called the "aggressive action of law enforcement."More on Crimesider
July 19, 2011 - Molestation investigation shuts down The Creative Frontiers School in Calif.