VF Middle School Ex-Janitor Waives Hearing On Sex Abuse Of 2 Students

TREDYFFRIN TWP — A 23-year-old former custodian at the Valley Forge Middle School waived a preliminary hearing today on charges of having inappropriate relationships with two female students.

Rushon Drayton of Paoli waived a hearing before District Judge Lauren Holt on charges of institutional sexual assault, indecent assault, corruption of minors, unlawful contact with a minor and related charges.

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

Drayton remains free on $50,000 bail to await formal arraignment in Chester County Court.

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.

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.
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.

A 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.

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 virtualStewards of Children workshop.