Horlick High School gym teacher accused of child enticement
RACINE (WITI) -- The Racine Police Department is investigating allegations of child enticement involving a Horlick High School gym teacher and a 15-year-old female student. The judge hearing the case calls the allegations troubling. But others who know the teacher call the accusations bogus.
The gym teacher now charged with child enticement is as 61-year-old Thomas Adams. Adams appeared in court through a video conference on Thursday, February 14th and is being held on $20,000 bond.
Thomas Adams (2-14-13)
The two-page criminal complaint indicates the enticement incidents allegedly occurred repeatedly over a two-day period at the school starting on Thursday, February 7th. The complaint says Adams asked the 15-year-old girl to show him her bra and chest. He apparently said "you're sexy" several times -- and told the girl, "You're going to get me fired."
The criminal complaint indicates Adams made comments about the girl's outfits, her smile and her eyes.
The complaint says on one day, the girl forgot her gym shirt, and Adams asked her to show him what she was wearing underneath her warm-up jacket, saying "just one quick peek," and "just unzip it a little bit so I can see."
The complaint indicates on another day, the victim stated that Adams made a comment similar to, "You could have gotten an A+++ if you followed through with the deal, but there's always next time."
Adams' sister was in court and maintains the charges are bogus. "I mean, he is the salt of the Earth. Believe me," said Rhonda Barnes. "He didn't do it. He must have failed somebody and they're getting back. That's the only thing I can think of."
Outside of Horlick High School, students are skeptical of the charges as well. They say Adams taught them about the consequences of sexual harassment in health classes and as a coach.
Adams was a former Racine police officer from 1979 to 1989. He's being held on $20,000 bond.
If convicted, Adams faces up to 25 years in prison.
Racine Police investigators are interested in any additional information that you may have about this crime. You are urged to call the Racine Police Department Investigations Unit at 262-635-7756.
You may also contact Crimestoppers at 262-636-9330, or by texting RACS plus the message to CRIMES (274637) and referring to Tipsoft I.D. #TIP417 with your text message.