ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — A former Eureka High School custodian is expected to spend three years in prison after pleading guilty today to molesting a child with special needs.
Robert Smith was originally charged in February 2022 with one count of first-degree sexual abuse after police said he molested the student over the student’s clothing in a special needs classroom and in the school cafeteria on Feb. 11. The victim is nonverbal, but witnesses saw the abuse, according to court documents.
On Tuesday, Smith pleaded guilty to felony child molestation. He will be sentenced at a later date, but both prosecutors and his attorneys agreed upon a 3-year sentence.
Judge Bruce Hilton originally ordered Smith be held without bond when he was first charged, but then reversed course and allowed him to post his family’s property as a $250,000 bond.
He has been on an ankle monitor ever since.
Hilton admonished the victim’s supporters who packed the courtroom after his decision to allow Smith out on bond. Those supporters included members of the Down Syndrome Association of St. Louis.
“This court will not be intimidated or influenced by outside sources,” Hilton said then.
Smith’s defense attorney, Frank Carlson, argued in court in April 2022 that his client was innocent, the witnesses that the state would have testifying against him were unreliable and the conditions of his bond limited him to his home, his attorney’s office and church.
St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell’s Office then asked for a change of judge, which was granted.
In a letter to parents after it first happened, interim Rockwood Superintendent Tim Ricker said the district was made aware of the arrest of a member of its custodial team at Eureka High School.
He sent a letter to parents and guardians, which read, in part:
“The Rockwood School District is committed to providing a safe learning environment for our students and staff. Part of that commitment is notifying our school community of events that potentially affect the safety and well-being of our students.
“I am reaching out to you today to share some upsetting news with you. We were informed by the Eureka Police Department that a member of our custodial team at Eureka High School has been arrested for sexual abuse. The allegation is related to an incident involving a student. This employee is currently suspended without pay and prohibited from being on district property.
“The safety of our students is at the forefront of all that we do. All RSD employees must submit to and pass a criminal background check as a condition of employment. I can assure you we are working in full cooperation with law enforcement, as well as taking the appropriate steps to ensure the safety and well-being of all of our students.
“I know that any allegation of this type is very troubling news to process, and we share your concern as parents and educators. I am truly sorry that our community will be impacted by this news, but please know we will continue to work together to ensure all students are safe and cared for and realize their full potential.”
