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According to Bucks County Herald, Gerald William Spoto, a former employee of the Neshaminy Kids Club, has been hit with hundreds of additional felony charges in connection with the sexual assault as a seventh victim has been identified. Spoto, who was already charged with sexually assaulting four boys in 2023, now faces an array of new charges, including the production and possession of child pornography.
The 41-year-old resident of Disk Lane in Bristol Township was arraigned on Friday, February 9, 2024, before Magisterial District Judge Terrence Hughes. The judge denied bail, citing concerns about public safety and Spoto being a flight risk, particularly since he is in the process of selling his home. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for February 27.
Spoto is already facing accusations of abusing six other boys dating back to the 1990s when he worked at the Neshaminy Kids Club, an independent after-school program for Neshaminy School District students. The Neshaminy Kids Club is not affiliated with the school district but provides before- and after-care services for district students.
During the initial arrest in December 2023, authorities revealed that Spoto met the boys at Herbert Hoover Elementary School located at 501 Trenton Rd, Langhorne, PA 19047, and subsequently began babysitting them at his residence in Middletown Township at that time.
The initial charges against Spoto were filed in December 2023 following an investigation by detectives from the Middletown Township Police Department. During the course of the investigation, detectives executed a search warrant at Spoto's residence and recovered several electronic devices, including a laptop and two desktop computers. These devices were sent to the FBI Amanadelphia's Regional Computer Forensic Laboratory for analysis. Additionally, detectives seized Spoto's cellphone, which led them to discover explicit photos of the seventh victim, a 13-year-old boy.
Further examination of the electronic devices uncovered alarming evidence. On one of the desktop computers, investigators found three images of child sexual abuse material, while the laptop contained one such image. Most significantly, the second laptop contained hundreds of images of the 13-year-old victim, some of which depicted him fully naked. The photos, taken when the victim was between 11 and 13 years old, revealed explicit acts involving an adult hand touching the victim's exposed genitals. In total, 274 images of child sexual abuse material were discovered.
Authorities immediately contacted the victim and his parents, who confirmed that their son had spent considerable time with Spoto at his residence on Disk Lane. The parents also mentioned that their son had displayed signs of depression during this time. Detectives noted that Spoto had engaged in classic grooming behavior, including purchasing gifts for the victim.
As a result of this sex crimes probe, Spoto now faces 558 additional felony counts related to the seventh victim. Court documents outline the new charges against Spoto, including three counts of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, two counts of indecent assault of a person under 13, two counts of indecent assault of a person under 16, and one count each of corruption of minors and unlawful contact with a minor. Additionally, he faces 274 counts of photographing or filming a child sex act and 275 counts of possession of child pornography.
Detectives suspect that there may be additional victims and are urging anyone with information to come forward. Middletown Township Police Detective John Beck, who is leading the investigation, can be reached at 215-750-3872, extension 2215.
In the wake of a disturbing case involving a former Neshaminy Kids Club employee facing charges of child sexual assault, the families of victims are left grappling with the aftermath of these tragic events. To further elaborate on the legal avenues available to them, we turn to child sex abuse attorney Guy D'Andrea, Esq. In this interview, Mr. Kent explains potential civil cases against liable parties, offering invaluable insights and guidance for those seeking justice and accountability in the event that an after-school employee sexually abused students.
Editor Darla Medina (DM): Thank you for being here, Mr. Kent.
Guy D'Andrea, Esq. (BK): Thank you, Darla. It's my pleasure to be here and shed light on this important topic.
DM: In cases like this one, where an after-school program employee faces numerous charges of child sexual assault, what legal recourse do the families of victims typically have in pursuing justice through a civil case?
BK: In situations like these, victims' families may have grounds for filing a civil lawsuit against the liable parties involved. Civil cases can provide a means for the victims and their families to seek compensation for the harm they have endured and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
DM: What parties are typically held liable in such cases involving after-school programs?
BK: In cases involving after-school programs, liability may extend to various parties. Firstly, the individual perpetrator can be held responsible for their actions. In this case, the former employee who allegedly committed the abuse would be a primary target. Additionally, the organization itself may be held liable if they failed to adequately screen, supervise, or take action upon receiving reports of misconduct or suspicions of abuse.
DM: Can you explain how a civil lawsuit can help victims and their families in these types of cases?
BK: Certainly, Darla. Through a civil lawsuit, victims and their families can seek compensation for various damages, including medical expenses, therapy costs, emotional distress, pain and suffering, and potentially even punitive damages in cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct. Beyond financial compensation, filing a civil lawsuit can also provide a sense of justice and closure for the victims and their families.
DM: Are there any time limitations or legal hurdles that families should be aware of when pursuing a civil case?
BK: Yes, time limitations, known as statutes of limitations, can vary depending on the jurisdiction and the nature of the claims. It's crucial for families to consult with an experienced attorney as soon as possible to ensure compliance with these deadlines. Additionally, navigating the legal process can be complex, which is why it's essential to have a knowledgeable attorney who specializes in child sex abuse cases.
DM: Thank you, Mr. Kent, for sharing your insights on this matter. Your knowledge is invaluable in helping families understand their legal options and seek justice for their children.
BK: Thank you, Darla. It's my honor to advocate for victims of child sex abuse and their families, and to provide guidance during such challenging times.
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