School custodian charged with luring minor

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A former elementary school custodian is out on his own recognizance after being charged for allegedly luring minors under the age of 15.

Tyler E. Wilson, 38, is charged with allegedly luring minors by computer or other electronic means on or about Dec. 20 — a Class B felony, according to a criminal complaint.

The complaint stated that Wilson, via cell phone, allegedly invited who he thought was a minor, to engage in sexual acts.

Via text message, Wilson allegedly contacted the victim, who is under the age of 15, to have sexual intercourse, engage in other sexual acts and requested the victim send “sexy photographs,” according to the complaint.

Stark County State’s Attorney Tom Henning said he could not disclose the victim’s gender or age.

Wilson appeared for a bond hearing Dec. 22 and was released on his own personal recognizance, Henning said.

“I don’t consider him to be dangerous or likely to run away and then if we were able to satisfactorily restrict his other activities, we kind of feel that we can deal with this without him having to be behind bars,” Henning said. “We don’t believe he’s a danger to the general public, but we do believe he poses a possible danger to juveniles because of his behaviors.”

Conditions of Wilson’s release include no contact with Jefferson Elementary School, no contact with juveniles except his own children on a supervised basis, no cell phone use, no alcohol consumption and no entrance of any alcohol establishment, according to court documents.

Wilson is listed as the head custodian on Jefferson Elementary School’s website.

Doug Sullivan, superintendant of Dickinson Public Schools, said Wilson is no longer employed with DPS.

“The school followed its policies and conducted its investigation and took the appropriate steps,” Sullivan said.

No parents contacted DPS regarding Wilson’s behavior and the school district is not aware of any additional contacts made by Wilson, Sullivan said, adding DPS declines further comment.

Kris Fehr, president of the DPS board, said everything was handled satisfactorily.

If Wilson violates his conditions of release, he will be held liable for a $5,000 unsecured bond, Henning said.

With the assistance of social services, Wilson’s 10-year-old and 13-year-old daughters have been placed with a family member, Henning said.

If Wilson is convicted or pleads guilty, he will be required to register as a sex offender, Henning said.

The level of sex offender registration will depend on a risk assessment by the Attorney General’s Office, Henning said.

The charges are classified as the second most serious offense class in the state, Henning said.

“On a gradation schedule, I say it’s very, very serious,” Henning said.

A Class B felony carries a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment and/or a $10,000 fine, according to North Dakota Century Code.

Wilson is scheduled for a preliminary hearing Feb. 7 at 2 p.m. at the Stark County Courthouse in Dickinson.

Several attempts to reach Wilson went straight to voicemail.

Tags: sex offender, tyler wilson, news, alleged