Longtime Maine school custodian accused of sexually abusing a child

LIMINGTON, Maine (WMTW) – A longtime custodian in the Bonny Eagle School District is accused of sexually abusing a child.

Andrew Bertin, 59, of Limington, is charged with unlawful sexual contact involving an 8-year-old girl.

He is being held in the York County Jail on $75,000 bail following his arrest in August.

According to court records, Bertin is accused of inappropriately touching the victim several times over the past three years.

The alleged abuse, which includes some disturbing details, did not take place on school property.

According to court documents, during an interview with police, Bertin admitted to inappropriately touching the victim but disputed some details provided by the victim.

Maine’s Total Coverage contacted Bertin’s attorney, who did not comment.

In a statement to Maine’s Total Coverage, MSAD #6 Superintendent Clay Gleason said he could confirm that Bertin worked as a custodian for the district, but that the alleged actions occurred outside of school hours and off school grounds. Gleason said he could not discuss specific personnel matters, but he did share the district’s general approach when issues arose.

“Employees accused of misconduct are not allowed to enter school grounds during the investigation period. We investigate allegations to determine the facts, while respecting the rights of everyone involved to a fair trial. We work with local law enforcement, the Maine Department of Education, the Department of Health and Human Services, and our legal counsel as necessary. When an investigation reveals inappropriate or illegal actions or violations of school rules or policies, we address the conduct in a manner that is consistent with applicable law and policies, and appropriate to the circumstances,” Gleason said against Maine’s Total Coverage.

Bertin’s next court appearance is scheduled for January.