Former Thiensville elementary teacher, athletics director arrested for child sex crimes in Ozaukee County

 

THIENSVILLE, Wis. (CBS 58) -- A former elementary school teacher and athletic director at a religious private school in Thiensville is in custody, after prosectors say he inappropriately touched young boys in his care.

Police began investigating 36-year-old Daniel Rick of Christ Alone Lutheran after a report from Child Protective Services was filed last November.

Rick is now facing charges of child enticement and exposing intimate areas to a minor. 

Court documents reveal Rick chose "favorite" boy students each year and would have some sit on his lap while he "touched the child's tummy" and "kissed the child's head."

One victim told police Rick said he felt like they had a bond, but that they had to stop because he "could lose his job or go to jail."

Investigators said they also heard from another boy's parents, who had spoken with Rick directly last January about his behavior, but that when confronted, he "quickly broke into tears" and attempted to justify his behavior saying he "compares it to the story in the Bible and Jesus saying, let the little children come to me."

Another victim told police Rick kissed his cheek while in his classroom, pulled his pants down, and told him he loved him.

CBS 58 spoke with one parent anonymously, whose child is a student of Rick's, who said "he put on a good front."

"We would have never guessed he would do something like this," the parent said. "We are contemplating if we even want our child to return to this school next year."

The parent added that the school should have informed families when the incident happened.

"It's the way they handled it, and felt like it was very hush, hush," the parent said.

Principal Mike Henning sent CBS 58 this statement, which was given to families:

Student safety is a top priority for us at Christ Alone Lutheran School. In working with law enforcement, we have been informed and want to inform you that Mr. Rick has been charged with criminal conduct. We understand this information raises concerns. Since criminal charges are now pending, no additional information can be released at this time.If you have any information relevant to this investigation or have concerns for your child, please contact the law enforcement officer listed below. Law enforcement advises that you please do not ask your children any specific questions regarding the above information. Law enforcementcan help with how to approach the topic with your child, prepare you for reacting appropriately to their responses, and explain the process if necessary.

Rick is currently being held in the Ozaukee County Jail on a $100,000 cash bond.

He will appear next in court on Feb. 10 at 1:15 p.m.