Bucks County, PA – 41-year-old, Gerald William Spoto, residing on Disk Lane in Bristol Township, has been charged with the sexual assault of multiple boys. The assaults took place during Spoto’s employment at the after-school program Neshaminy Kids Club at Herbert Hoover Elementary School located at 501 Trenton Rd, Langhorne, PA 19047.
Former After-School Club Employee Charged With Sexually Assaulting Seven Boys
On Tuesday, December 19, 2023, Spoto was charged with various offenses, including eight counts of indecent assault, four counts of corruption of minors, two counts each of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, and aggravated indecent assault. He was also charged with one count of indecent assault of a person less than 16 years old. Spoto was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Terrence Hughes and is currently held at the Bucks County Correctional Facility on $1 million bail. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for January 3.
Ongoing Investigation Revealed Evidence Identifying Additional Victims
The investigation was initiated by detectives from the Middletown Township Police Department, who re-examined two previously inactive reports of sexual assault filed in 2013 and 2017. These reports implicated Spoto as the perpetrator. The reopening of these cases led to the discovery of additional victims. One victim reported approximately 50 sexual encounters with Spoto between 2000 and 2003, starting at the age of 9. Another victim described being sexually assaulted around 100 times. Many of the assaults involved Spoto overpowering or intimidating the victims. Some victims reported that Spoto provided them with alcohol and showed them explicit material, including a video of himself engaged in sexual activity with an underage male.
Spoto Facing 558 New Counts in Sex Crimes Probe
In an update to the case, Gerald William Spoto now faces hundreds of additional felony charges for sexually assaulting a seventh victim. Some of the crimes were photographed and uploaded to his computer. The new charges include three counts of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, two counts each of indecent assault of a person less than 13 and indecent assault of a person less than 16, and one count each of corruption of minors and unlawful contact with a minor. Spoto was also charged with 274 counts of photographing or filming a child sex act and 275 counts of possession of child pornography, all of which are felonies.
During the arraignment on Friday, February 9, 2024, Judge Terrence Hughes denied bail, citing concerns about public safety and Spoto being a flight risk, as he is in the process of selling his home. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for February 27.
Forensic Evidence and Additional Victim of Child Sexual Abuse
As part of the investigation, detectives executed a search warrant at Spoto’s residence and recovered a laptop and two desktop computers. These devices were sent to the FBI Philadelphia’s Regional Computer Forensic Laboratory for analysis. Detectives also seized Spoto’s cellphone, which contained several photos of a 13-year-old boy. Detectives, upon identifying the boy as a victim, met with him and his parents, who disclosed that Spoto had engaged in classic grooming tactics by buying gifts for their son. After spending considerable time at Spoto’s residence on Disk Lane, the boy displayed signs of depression, the parents recalled.
Upon retrieving the analyzed electronics, investigators discovered three images of child sexual abuse material on one of the desktop computers and one image on the laptop. Furthermore, the second laptop contained hundreds of images of the 13-year-old victim, some of which depicted him fully naked. The victim stated that Spoto had sexually assaulted him multiple times starting in 2021 when he was only 11 years old.
Officials Believe There May Be More Victims
Investigators believe that there may be more victims who have not yet come forward. They urge anyone with information relevant to the case to contact Middletown Township Police Detective John Beck at 215-750-3872, extension 2215.
The case is being handled by Chief Deputy District Attorney Kristin M. McElroy and Assistant District Attorney Jennifer L. Reckner. The media can direct inquiries to Manuel Gamiz Jr. at 215-348-6298 or mgamiz@buckscounty.org.
Seeking Justice for Victims of After-School Sex Abuse
In response to the recent charges against a former after-school employee for the sexual assault of multiple boys, the pursuit of justice for the victims becomes paramount. To discuss the legal options available to the families affected, we sat down with school sex abuse lawyer, Attorney Brian Kent, Esq., who shared his insights. From discussing potential grounds for civil cases to the importance of holding liable parties accountable, this interview provides valuable information for victims and their families seeking justice and closure.
Laurence Banville, Esq. (LB): Today, we have a special guest with us, Attorney Brian Kent, an experienced child sex abuse lawyer based in Pennsylvania. Brian, thank you for joining us. Given the recent charges against a former employee of the Neshaminy Kids Club, can you go over what options the families of the victims may have in pursuing civil cases against liable parties?
Brian Kent, Esq. (BK): Thank you, Laurence. When it comes to cases involving sexual abuse in an after-school program, the families of the victims may have legal recourse through civil litigation. It’s essential for them to consult with an experienced attorney specializing in child sex abuse cases to explore their options fully.
LB: Could you explain the potential grounds for a civil case in this situation?
BK: Certainly. In cases like these, potential grounds for a civil lawsuit may include negligence, premises liability, and failure to protect. The after-school program, Neshaminy Kids Club, has a duty to ensure the safety and well-being of the children under their care. If it can be demonstrated that they failed to implement adequate safety measures or neglected to properly screen and supervise their employees, they may be held liable.
LB: What parties might be held accountable in such cases?
BK: The liable parties can vary depending on the specific circumstances. In addition to the individual perpetrator, who is already facing criminal charges, liable parties may include the after-school program itself, its administrators, supervisors, or even the school district if there is evidence of negligence in hiring or oversight. It is crucial to thoroughly investigate the case and identify all potentially responsible parties.
LB: What are the potential outcomes of a successful civil case for the victims and their families?
BK: A successful civil case can provide victims and their families with a sense of justice and closure. It may result in financial compensation that can help cover medical expenses, therapy costs, and other damages resulting from the abuse. Additionally, holding the responsible parties accountable through civil litigation can contribute to preventing similar incidents in the future.
LB: If families want to pursue a civil case, what steps should they take?
BK: The first step is to consult with an experienced attorney who specializes in child sex abuse cases. They can guide the families through the legal process, provide support, and help gather evidence to build a strong case. It’s important to act promptly, as there may be statutes of limitations that could affect the timeframe for filing a civil lawsuit.
LB: Thank you, Brian, for sharing your insights on pursuing civil cases for victims of sex abuse. Your expertise in this field is invaluable.
BK: It was my pleasure to discuss this crucial topic today. I hope that this information helps the families affected by this tragic situation and empowers them to seek justice through the legal system.
Have You or Your Child Been Abused During After-School Care? Contact Us for a Free Consultation.
We understand the immense pain and trauma that victims and their families endure in cases of child sexual assault. If you or your loved ones have been affected by the actions of Gerald William Spoto during his employment at the Neshaminy Kids Club or another after-school employee, we are here to help. Our compassionate team of legal professionals is dedicated to advocating for victims of sexual abuse and seeking the justice they deserve. Contact us today for a free and confidential consultation, where we can discuss your rights, provide guidance, and explore the legal options available to you. You don’t have to face this journey alone – we are here to support you every step of the way.
Mr. Banville is a personal injury attorney who has experience in handling auto accidents, work injuries, medical malpractice, dog bites, slip and falls, and representing survivors and victims of sexual abuse. Mr. Banville is affiliated with law firms in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, D.C., and Maryland. Abuse Guardian
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