The allegations against Orlandus Johnson, 46, came from a former Gilmer ISD student, according to Upshur County Sheriff Anthony Betterton. The former student claims Johnson sexually assaulted the student on multiple occasions on Gilmer ISD campuses and other places in Gilmer.
Betterton said investigators obtained evidence that support the former student's allegations.
Johnson was booked into the Upshur County Jail for aggravated sexual assault of a child.
Gilmer ISD Superintendent Rick Albritton says the allegations against Johnson are from the early 2000. Johnson has been working for the district since 1993.
Albritton released the following statement Wednesday:
At approximately 11:45 a.m. today, I was notified by the Upshur County Sheriff's Department of an allegation made by a former student of sexual abuse by a currently employed instructional aide.
The employee was immediately placed on administrative leave pending an investigation. All employees, including the accused staff member, have passed the required criminal background checks for employment.
Student safety is always our priority, and we will cooperate fully with the investigation.
Please be assured that we will continue to take every possible action to ensure that students are safe. While I cannot provide details of the investigation, I am available to answer your questions about student safety or to hear your concerns.
Johnson's bond has been set at $250,000.
Upshur County Sheriff's Office is still investigating the case with additional charges possible.
