VF Middle School Janitor Charged With Sex Abuse Of Two Students

TREDYFFRIN TWP — A 23-year-old custodian at the Valley Forge Middle School was arrested Tuesday on charges of having inappropriate relations with two students, ages 14 and 15, Tredyffrin police reported.

Rushon Drayton of Paoli is accused of having sexual contact with the students while he was working as a janitor for Tredyffrin/Easttown School District between Feb. 11 and April 10.

Drayton was arraigned Tuesday morning before District Judge Lauren Holt in Tredyffrin Township on charges of institutional sexual assault, indecent assault, corruption of minors, unlawful contact with a minor and related charges.

Drayton remains free on $50,000 bail to await a preliminary hearing scheduled later this month.

Dr. Richard Gusick, school superintedent, notified families and school staff in a letter that Drayton has been removed from employment and is banned from the school grounds as a result of the criminal charges.

The superintendent said Drayton, who has worked for the district since 2017, underwent background checks prior to his employment and received child abuse training.

"We are deeply troubled whenever any allegations or charges have an impact on minors, and we know you are too," Gusick wrote in the letter. "It is particularly upsetting when an adult working in our schools is involved."

Gusick said the safety and well-being of our students is vital.

"We will fully support any student who may have been impacted by learning this information or from having known Mr. Drayton," the superintendent wrote.

Police said they were notified on April 10 of a possible inappropriate relationship with one 14-year-old student at the school.

During the investigation, police said, they discovered the suspect was maintaining a relationship a second 15-year-old.

“Rushon Drayton preyed upon vulnerable middle schoolers who he groomed over a period of time while working in his job as a janitor at Valley Forge Middle School,” District Attorney Deb Ryan said later Tuesday afternoon. “We are aware of two victims at this stage in the investigation but believe that there may be others.”

Ryan said children deserve to be safe in schools and all adults are responsible to ensure their safety.

“We continue to stress the importance of reporting suspicious behavior knowing that we all must do what we can to protect our most vulnerable,” Ryan said. "We thank Tredyffrin township police for their hard work and swift apprehension of the defendant.”

Tredyffrin Police Chief Mike Beaty said: “Our detectives worked quickly and diligently on this case to ensure the safety of the children at Valley Forge Middle School. We will continue to work with Tredyffrin/Easttown School District to protect all students and other potential victims.”

Victim One

According to police reports:

On April 10, the mother of a 14-year-old student at Valley Forge Middle School contacted police about inappropriate text messages sent to her daughter by the defendant known as “Shawn,” who was the school custodian.

The victim told police that “Shawn” became friendly with students over the past several months by handing out candy three to four times a week.

The victim said that the defendant talked with her one-on-one in the hallway and asked for her cell phone number, which she gave to him.

The victim said the defendant then started texting and FaceTiming with her during the week, weekend, and school.

The victim said “Shawn” met her in the hallway after a basketball game and gave her a silver bracelet with diamond chips. But the victim said she never wore the bracelet. The victim said “Shawn” touched her waist and tried to kiss her.

When initially speaking with police about the allegations, Drayton told police “age is just a number.”

During a second interview with police, Drayton admitted kissing the victim 10 times, and said their relationship has progressed as if they are dating.

Victim Two

According to police reports:

On April 14, police became aware of a second victim whom the defendant had communicated with about sexually explicit topics.

The second victim told detectives that the defendant had given her a sex toy, marijuana, and other gifts.

Police recovered hundreds of sexual and inappropriate text messages and photos that were sent to the second victim by the defendant.

Drayton’s internet browser included searches for cheap hotels, and how long someone will go to jail for “messaging an underage girl.”

Police found hundreds of messages beween the victim and Drayton discussing sex and plans to meet.

Provide information about the case

Anyone with further information is asked to contact Tredyffrin Township Police Department’s Detective Division at 610-644-3221.

What to do if you suspect child abuse

Call Childline at 1-800-932-0313 if you suspect a child is being abused.

Learn to recognize, react & report child sexual abuse by taking a free virtual
Stewards of Children workshop.

Contact County Coordinator Katie Walters at
kwalters@chesco.org or 610-344-6115 for more information.