News9.com - Oklahoma City, OK - News, Weather, Video and Sports | Police Search for School Volunteer Accused of Molestation
Dale Elledge was a school volunteer at Word of Life Ministries & Academy in Dibble where he is accused of molesting at least four female students.
In the civil lawsuit filed by two alleged victims, Elledge allegedly threatened to kill the victims and members of the families if they told anyone.By Rusty Surette, NEWS 9
DIBBLE, Oklahoma -- Oklahoma authorities are searching for a former school volunteer accused of molesting at least four female students.
Dale Elledge is named in a civil lawsuit filed by two of the alleged victims and their families.
The two former students accused Elledge of committing acts of sexual battery on them multiple times from 2005 to 2008. The alleged victims also stated in the lawsuit that Elledge threatened to kill them and members of the families if they told anyone.
"We opened the case in August," said Jessica Brown, spokeswoman for the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigations. "Two women said he molested them and since then, we've had two more women come forward claiming the same."
Elledge, who worked at the Word of Life Ministries & Academy in Dibble, hasn't been arrested or charged because authorities can't find him.
"Last we heard he moved to Texas," said a law enforcement officer in McClain County who didn't want to be identified.
The civil suit filed also named the school and its principal, Naomi Mandrell.
The former students accused Mandrell of failing to take curative action when the alleged acts of molestation where brought to her attention.
The suit stated Principal Mandrell allowed a going away and retirement party for Elledge knowing full well of what he was accused of doing.
Efforts to contact Principal Mandrell were unsuccessful.
Residents in Dibble said the allegations were a big surprise because the Mandrell family is known for caring for and fostering children of all ages.
Comments Terms of Use: Terms of Use: We welcome your participation in our community. Please keep your comments civil and on point. You must be at least 13 years of age to post comments. In addition, by submitting a comment, you recognize that your comment may be read or discussed on one or more television news broadcasts on NEWS 9 and you consent to any such use. By submitting a comment, you agree to these
Terms of Service
You must be logged in to leave a comment. Login or register See all comments |
The sex offender accused of murdering a Spencer woman outside her Midwest City church is facing other accusations too. More>>
A search for a missing Oklahoma City boy has ended after the boy showed up at school, police said. More>>
Several large columns of concrete fell from the expanding parking garage at the Devon Tower construction site. More>>
The possibility of more winter storms could mean more snow days for Oklahoma schools. Now, teachers are worried if students will be prepared for the upcoming standardized tests. More>>
The sex offender accused of murdering a Spencer woman outside her Midwest City church is facing other accusations too. More>>
Police in Shawnee say an officer shot and killed a man when he lunged at officers with a knife. More>>
Oklahoma City police have arrested a man with a gun following a standoff at a home near an elementary school. More>>
New allegations are being made against a registered sex offender accused in the murder of a Spencer woman. More>>
