Former Central Maine School Employee Charged With Sex Crimes Against a Minor Student

According to the Kennebec Journal, a former employee of Monmouth Academy has been charged with sex crimes involving a minor.

The Kennebec County Sheriff's Office reports that they arrested Randall J. LaRochelle, 39 of Belgrade, back on June 15th of this year. Deputies took LaRochelle into custody after a warrant was obtained following interviews with the alleged victim.

It's being reported that LaRochelle, a now former employee of Monmouth Academy, had a 17 and 19 year old over at his house. LaRochelle reportedly kissed and inappropriately touched the younger girl while in his hot tub.

The KJ goes on to explain in their article that while the age of legal consent in the State of Maine is 16, state law still penalizes situations involving minors under 18 when it involved students and school employees.

The alleged conduct happened back in October of 2022, though LaRochelle wasn't arrested until June. After his arrest, he spent less than 24 hours in jail and was released on $500 bail, the KJ reported.

LaRochelle has been charged with two counts of unlawful sexual contact and two counts of unlawful sexual touching. If convicted, these charges carry maximum penalties of up to three years in prison and $6,000 in fines. 

The Kennebec Journal goes on to say in part,

Rick Amero (Superintendent)  told officials a few parents had also reported concerns about the student having a sexual relationship with LaRochelle, who was the assistant buildings and grounds director for RSU 2 and oversaw all of its custodians. His annual salary was $57,200.

This is a developing story and we will continue to keep it updated as more information is made available to us.

All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.