School Janitor Charged With Sex Crimes Against Teen Student

NEWBURG, Mo. -- The janitor at a high school in Phelps County is accused of having inappropriate sexual contact with a 15-year-old male student.

Charles A. Mihlfeld, 46, of Newburg, is now charged with two counts of 2nd degree Statutory Sodomy and one count of Sexual Contact with a Student.

The Phelps County Sheriff's Department responded to a complaint Thursday at the Newburg High School. The sheriff says Mihlfeld was arrested after an ongoing investigation.

According to court documents, the student told school leaders he and Mihlfield had sexual contact between July 16 and July 20.

Mihlfeld was officially charged Friday. He's held in Phelps County Jail in lieu of $250,000 bond. He's ordered to have no contact with children under the age of 17.

Mihlfeld had worked for the district about 25 years and was only a few years away from retirement. He denies the allegations.

Newburg Public Schools Superintendent John Westerman released the following statement Thursday:

Within the last 24 hours, the administration of Newburg R-II School District has learned of what initially appears to be an inappropriate relationship between a non-teaching staff member and a student.The administration immediately initiated an investigation with the Phelps County Sheriff's Department. That investigation, so far, has led to the termination of the employee based upon the violation of school policy and his arrest. 

The Newburg Public School community prides itself on providing a safe and nurturing environment for our students to learn and grow and we are deeply saddened by the circumstances of this event. To that end, the District will immediately begin reviewing its practices and policies. Any questions concerning this matter should be directed to the superintendent's office.

John Westerman, Superintendent