Strongsville School Custodian Convicted of Sex Offense

A custodian at was fired by the Strongsville School Board Monday night after he was convicted of sexual imposition and assault involving a 13-year-old girl.

LaDon Perkins, 33, who lives in Rocky River, was also labeled a Tier 1 Sex Offender who will have to register with the sheriff's department annually for the next 15 years.

The school board voted unanimously Monday to terminate Perkins' employment.

Superintendent Jeff Lampert said he could not comment on the matter.

But Maria Russo, spokeswoman for Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Bill Mason, said Perkins was indicted in the fall for gross sexual imposition, a fourth-degree felony, involving a 13-year-old girl.

He pleaded guilty June 4 to reduced charges of assault, a first-degree misdemeanor, and sexual imposition, a third-degree misdemeanor.

Rocky River Lt. Bill Crates said police started an investigation in October after they were notified of the sexual assault by Fairview Hospital.

Crates said the incident took place at Perkins' Rocky River apartment during a sleepover his daughter hosted.

During the sleepover, Perkins allowed the girls to drink liquor -- and drank with them, Crates said. After the 13-year-old victim became intoxicated, he fondled her, according to the indictment. 

"There was some contact made between them," Crates said.

Perkins has no previous criminal offenses, authorities said.

Strongsville schools reportedly suspended him without pay in April when officials learned of the charges pending against him.

On June 5, Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Judge Michael Astrab imposed a 180-day jail sentence, but suspended it and placed Perkins on probation for two years.

He will also have to pay a $1,000 fine and perform 25 hours of community service.

He will undergo random drug and alcohol tests and has been ordered to attend three Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous meetings a week.

In addition, he will have to register every year as a sex offender for the next 15 years.