Former Big Brother Volunteer Accused Of Lewd Molestation

NewsOn6.com

TULSA, OK -- A former Big Brother Big Sisters volunteer was arrested Tuesday afternoon on a complaint of lewd molestation, forcible sodomy and 2nd degree rape. 

The charges come in connection with Gisler's involvement with a boy under the age of 16, according to court documents.

John Gisler, 41, was released on $150,000 bond Tuesday night.

Gisler has been a science teacher at Whitney Middle School since 2005.

Officials with Big Brothers Big Sisters tell The News On 6 they believe the boy could be Gisler's "little brother."

According to court documents, Gisler committed crimes between January 1st, 2006 and June 29th, 2008 against a boy under the age of 16.

Court documents indicate Gisler committed the crime of lewd molestation by unlawfully, feloniously, intentionally, designedly and knowingly, look upon, touch and feel of the body and private parts of the boy in a lewd and lascivious manner.

Big Brothers Big Sisters officials say they have no knowledge that Gisler has had any contact with any children since he stopped volunteering, according to a statement released by Big Brothers Big Sisters.  The statement also says volunteers and staff undergo thorough screening and background checks.

Big Brothers Big Sisters officials say they have zero tolerance for abuse and say they are alarmed and saddened by reports of any child being harmed.

Tulsa Public Schools administrators and campus police officials are conducting an internal investigation of the middle school teacher, according to a Tulsa Public School news release.

"Even though we've been assured the allegations do not involve Whitney students, we are conducting our own investigation to ensure the safety and security of our students," said Dr. Keith Ballard, superintendent of Tulsa Public Schools.  "We appreciate the Tulsa Police Department's diligence in protecting the children of Tulsa."

TPS's human resources compliance office and campus police department are investigating whether any activities may have occurred on school property or with TPS students, according to a school news release. The district will determine the appropriate action regarding Mr. Gisler's future employment pending the internal investigation and law enforcement proceedings.