Freed sex offender accused in Phoenix school assault
Phoenix police say registered sex offender Abel Kai Gblah, 25, entered Orangewood Elementary School on Nov. 19 through an unlocked lobby door, posed as a doctor, lured a grade‑school girl into a classroom and sexually assaulted her before fleeing. He was arrested and booked on sexual assault and kidnapping charges; a judge set a $500,000 cash‑only bond with a preliminary hearing on Dec. 1. The Washington Elementary School District placed the campus on lockdown for over an hour, put a staff member on leave after an internal review, and said the suspect is a former student.
School Safety and Security
Sex Crimes
📌 Key Facts
- Suspect: Abel Kai Gblah, 25, registered sex offender; reportedly released from prison two weeks prior
- Incident date/location: Nov. 19, 2025 at Orangewood Elementary School, Phoenix; school lockdown lasted over an hour
- Entry detail: entered via unlocked lobby door and impersonated a doctor to approach the student
- Legal status: arrested and booked on sexual assault and kidnapping; bond set at $500,000 cash‑only; preliminary hearing Dec. 1
- District action: staff member placed on administrative leave; safety procedures under review