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12/26/2007

Frank "Skip" Gleason, assistant principal and athletic director at Carrabec, resigned Sunday as pastor of Maranatha Assembly on Church Street after accusations against him became public.

Meanwhile, supporters of Gleason rallied around him, saying they doubt that the charges are true, but that the publicity has already done irreparable harm to a good man.

The alleged abuse of a 15-year-old Carrabec High School student occurred off school grounds, the arresting officer said Monday.

Sheriff's Detective Lt. Carl E. Gottardi II said little more regarding the arrest.

Gleason, 60, has been employed by School Administrative District 74 for approximately three decades, first as a physical education instructor and coach.

Police arrested Gleason on Saturday on charges of unlawful sexual contact and sexual abuse of a minor. He was held overnight at Somerset County Jail, then released Sunday on $1,500 cash bail.

Jim Foss, a member of the Maranatha Assembly, said Gleason notified church elders on Sunday morning that he would leave his position.

Gleason's son, Scooter Gleason, will take over as minister for now, Foss said.

SAD 74 has placed Gleason on administrative leave.

"It was on the front page of the newspaper. He was hung out and dried," Foss said. "You couldn't ask for a nicer guy in the world. I have a feeling somebody wants some money, or has an ax to grind."

Foss expressed anger at a justice system that can ruin people's lives, and said it is becoming increasingly difficult for men to teach school.

"He won't be able to walk down Main Street again," Foss said.

"Male teachers can't stay in the profession. You can't even look at these people the wrong way."

Calls to Gleason's residence were not returned Monday. Part of the answering machine message at his house said, "Remember, Jesus loves you."

Gottardi declined to discuss the nature of the alleged sexual contact. The boy was not injured, he said.

The complaint was filed on Saturday, Dec. 22.

"It was just after a school function is all I can say, but it was not on school grounds," Gottardi said.

Sylvia Bartlett of North Anson, who has known Gleason for many years, expressed anger Monday at his arrest. Gleason worked with all four of her children as a recreation department director and coach, she said.

"This is bull----," Bartlett said. "He has probably suspended some kid at school that is mad at him."

Bartlett said that nobody has done more in the area for youth.

"I feel very sorry for him and (wife) Mary," she said. "This is the very last person I ever thought would have the finger pointed at him."

On Jan. 23, Gleason is scheduled to make his first appearance in 12th District Court.

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