Notes, Candy Lead to Multiple Child Sexual Abuse Charges

Ethan R. Colpetzer, 30, a janitor at Claysburg-Kimmel Elementary School who was arrested last week on multiple felony counts of sexual abuse of children after it was discovered that he was leaving notes and candy on the desk of an 11-year-old student, allegedly told police he was told the student “doesn’t have a good home life,” and he thought it would be nice to leave her candy and notes. However, a search of Colpetzer’s phone allegedly turned up 74 photos of child pornography.

According to police reports, the investigation of Colpetzer began on Feb. 3 when police were called to the school after school authorities discovered that Colpetzer had been leaving candy and notes for the student and had been seen taking pictures of the student in the past.

According to police, the student’s teacher had intercepted notes reading “Hi, Hershey for you buddy,” and “Hi (student’s name)”, along with candy and gifts. Police said the student was “confused” and told the teacher that she had a secret admirer and did not know who was leaving the notes.

Police said the student wrote a note asking the person who was leaving the notes and candy to write their name and the next morning found the note with the name “Ethan” written on it. With no student in the school named Ethan, the investigation led police to Colpetzer.

While questioning school personnel, police learned from another teacher that Colpetzer had been taking pictures of students in the cafeteria. When police searched Colpetzer’s phone, they allegedly found photos taken of students inside the cafeteria and zoomed in on a minor child bending over a table.

Police questioned a coworker of Colpetzer who told them that Colpetzer had previously talked to her about the student and that he believed she did not have a good home life. Police said at the time of the conversation, the students were in the hallway and Colpetzer pointed the student out to his coworker.

When police questioned Copletzer, he allegedly admitted to leaving the notes for the student. Police said Colpetzer told them he took the picture in the cafeteria and zoomed in on the student because of how she was sitting. He told them took the picture because he thought it was a “funny kid sit.”

When police questioned Colpetzer about the child porn images on his phone, he allegedly told them that he saved them from the internet and that they were randomly sent to him by other people. Police said Colpetzer also admitted to asking people to send him photos.

Colpetzer is facing 75 felony counts of sexual abuse of children, a felony count of corruption of minors, and a felony count of copying obscene material. He was arraigned by Altoona Magisterial District Judge Matthew Dunio and placed in Blair County Prison on $100,000 bond. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for today, March 16, in front of Martinsburg Magisterial District Judge Andrew Blattenberger.