12/26/2007
from the Kennebec Journal
Rep. Pingree hears varied proposals for health-care solutions
HALLOWELL Fire that cut communications labeled arson
MONMOUTH Police defended after slim budget rejection
State's schools chief to parley
Wasser will lead newsrooms at KJ, Sentinel and in Portland
BRIEFS
Hockey still in picture for Harrington
Portland boxer to face legend's son
All of today's:
News | Sports
from the Kennebec Journal
from the Morning Sentinel
$1.3 MILLION FOR HEALTHREACH
Families Matter grows to meet special needs
Chellie Pingree listens to ideas on health care reform
FARMINGTON Rain alters plans for 4th of July
District regroups after budget failure
Vote on county budget hits snag
Burnham driver wins checkered flag at 2 tracks on same day
Maine boxer gets unique opportunity
All of today's:
News | Sports
from the Morning Sentinel
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.




Reader comments
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You think that's bad? Flip the page and read about the 28 year old who raped a 14 year old girl and was sentenced to 1 year in jail.
No wonder sex criminals love Maine, it's because we coddle them.
When will the citizens of Maine speak up together and demand higher sentences for crimes that undoubtedly ruins entire lives. We ask these criminals to put off offending for 1 year and then we set them free to do it over and over and over again.
Apparently the social programs in this state need to justify their existence by making sure the offenders will always create new victims.report abuse
As others try to equalize by making his 'acts' out as 'simple homosexuality' I rage at his gall. If this approach is factual and true, as it apparently IS...this man is a gay predator of the worst kind. He picks on children.
Meanwhile, have a nice day, tiger...You need to develop some means of introspection, real thinking, rather than waging war on others who don't meet YOUR standards in life. So, stay busy, as I do.
To the young man in this case, kudos to you, young sir. You are very brave and you can trust Detective Gottardi. He is a man of honesty doing a hard job.To your parents: you have raised a child to be proud of...he has guts in the midst of turmoil.report abuse
One of the most difficult parts to understand? That one never, ever knows just what is going on with and in anyone's head. People who DO this can be like the proverbial Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. From notes in that book: Dr. Jekyll faces horrible consequences when he lets his dark side run wild ...report abuse
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