Albuquerque Custodian Faces Serious Charges in Child Abuse Case

In a troubling incident that has sparked concern within the Albuquerque community, Sean Romero, a 59-year-old custodian employed by Albuquerque Public Schools (APS), has been charged with multiple counts of criminal sexual contact with a minor. Romero was arrested on Sunday and is currently being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC).

Details of the Allegations

According to court documents, Romero is accused of inappropriate contact with a six-year-old family member. Although the identity of the victim remains protected, the connection between Romero and the alleged victim raises serious alarm within the community.

School District Response

Upon learning of the charges, APS promptly placed Romero on administrative leave. A letter was sent to parents at Tres Volcanes Community Collaborative K-8 School, where Romero worked, assuring them of the district’s commitment to student safety. The letter confirmed that Romero had passed a background check prior to his employment, a standard protocol for hiring within the district.

Concerns About Background Checks

Background checks are a critical component of hiring practices in schools. However, they often fail to uncover risks related to familial abuse or unreported incidents. This case highlights a significant gap in the effectiveness of these checks, as noted in broader research on sexual misconduct by school employees. While custodians may not be as frequently cited as teachers for misconduct, their access to students makes them potential risks.

Legal Implications

In New Mexico, the law defines criminal sexual contact of a minor as intentional touching of a child’s intimate parts, particularly when the child is under the age of 13. The penalties for such crimes can be severe, including significant prison time and mandatory registration as a sex offender. With 39 states having laws that specifically address educator misconduct, the legal framework is designed to protect students from abuse by those in positions of authority.

The Bigger Picture

This incident is part of a troubling trend of sexual misconduct in schools, where underreporting remains a significant issue. Reports suggest that only a fraction of such incidents ever reach law enforcement or child welfare agencies, often due to fear of stigma or reputational damage to schools. As highlighted in reports from the National Institute of Justice, there is a crucial need for better training and reporting protocols to ensure that such cases are addressed more effectively.

Moving Forward

The APS district’s response protocol includes notifying parents and cooperating fully with investigations. However, systemic changes are necessary to prevent such incidents in the future, including reevaluating hiring practices and ensuring that all employees are monitored adequately for potential risks.