WEST MEMPHIS, AR - A West Memphis school janitor is accused of sexual assault. West Memphis Police arrested Robert Rains at the city's high school on Thursday, October 6, 2011.
The news came as a shock to students, who were not told a school employee was taken away in cuffs. Students Kisa Miles and Alexus Wortham had no idea a janitor at their school ended up on the wrong side of the law
“Seriously, it's odd," says Miles, "real odd to hear something like that about our janitor. They're quiet. They didn't even say anything."
Administrators say Rains worked at the school for at least four years and has a spotless record.
They say they didn't tell students about the arrest because it was a personnel issue.
“I mean, we didn't know anything," Miles says. "It would've been straight if they would have told us, but we didn't know anything."
“They're real secretive at that school,” says Wortham.
West Memphis Police says the arrest had nothing to do with Rains' employment at the school. They would not confirm rumors that the victim was a child. Residents are spooked nonetheless.
“He shouldn't be working in a school," says Kayla Dunlap. "He shouldn't have done that, period. But working in a school? I hope they fire him."
Administrators say they'll determine if Rains will keep his job after everything plays out in court. Right now, he's suspended with pay.
Reported by ABC 24
