Gerald William Spoto - Alleged Sexual Assault at Afterschool Program in Bristol Township, PA

In a harrowing case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Bristol Township, Pennsylvania, a former employee of the Neshaminy Kids Club, Gerald William Spoto, faces a multitude of charges for the alleged sexual assault of multiple children he met through the after-school program.

A String of Heinous Allegations

Gerald William Spoto, 41, has been accused of a series of sexual assaults against at least seven victims, with the most recent charges involving the production and possession of child pornography. The Bucks County Herald reports that the additional felony charges come as a seventh victim has been identified, adding to the already substantial list of accusations against Spoto.

The Case Unfolds

Spoto, a resident of Disk Lane in Bristol Township, was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Terrence Hughes on February 9, 2024. The judge denied bail, citing the severity of the charges and the risk of Spoto fleeing, especially given that he was in the process of selling his home. A preliminary hearing has been set for February 27.

The Neshaminy Kids Club, an independent program offering before- and after-care services to students of the Neshaminy School District, is where Spoto initially encountered the boys. The program operates separately from the school district. It was at Herbert Hoover Elementary School where Spoto began babysitting the children at his then-residence in Middletown Township.

Disturbing Evidence Emerges

During the initial arrest in December 2023, detectives from the Middletown Township Police Department executed a search warrant at Spoto's residence, where they seized several electronic devices. These devices, including a laptop and two desktop computers, were sent to the FBI Philadelphia's Regional Computer Forensic Laboratory for analysis. Investigators also confiscated Spoto's cellphone, which revealed explicit photos of the seventh victim, a 13-year-old boy.

The analysis of the electronic devices led to a chilling discovery: hundreds of images of the 13-year-old victim, some depicting him fully naked and being touched by an adult hand. In total, 274 images of child sexual abuse material were found.

The Legal Perspective

In light of these disturbing events, child sex abuse attorney Ashley B. DiLiberto, Esq., discusses the legal options available to the victims and their families. DiLiberto emphasizes the potential for civil lawsuits against the liable parties, including the individual perpetrator and the organization, if it failed to properly screen or supervise employees or did not act upon suspicions of abuse.

The Importance of Civil Litigation

DiLiberto explains that civil litigation can provide victims and their families with compensation for damages such as medical expenses, therapy costs, emotional distress, and pain and suffering. It also serves as a means for achieving a sense of justice and closure.

Time Is of the Essence

DiLiberto also warns of the time limitations known as statutes of limitations for filing civil lawsuits. She urges families to consult with an experienced attorney promptly to ensure their rights are protected within these time frames.

A Community in Shock

As the investigation continues, authorities suspect additional victims may be and encourage anyone with information to come forward. The case against Gerald William Spoto is a stark reminder of the need for vigilance in protecting children and the importance of holding those in positions of trust accountable for their actions.

Source:

https://legalherald.com/bristol-township-pa-ex-neshaminy-kids-club-employee-gerald-william-spoto-repeatedly-sexually-assaulted-at-least-7-victims-met-at-afterschool-program-at-herbert-hoover-elementary-school/