School employee preliminarily charged with child molestation

The head custodian of New Paris Elementary School was arrested on a preliminary charge of child molestation on Tuesday. Fairfield Community Schools superintendent says Don Powers' employment has since been terminated.

Steve Thalheimer, Superintendent of Fairfield Community Schools, released this statement:

Don Powers was an employee of the district.  As soon as administration became aware of this employee’s arrest Tuesday afternoon, we moved to terminate his employment.  Since this is a personnel matter involving an investigation, we cannot give out specifics, but we can say that the person no longer works for Fairfield Community Schools. We have cooperated with law enforcement and have taken appropriate actions.  All indications from law enforcement are that no current New Paris student has been involved in any of the allegations against Mr. Powers.  A statement was sent home Wednesday afternoon with all New Paris students to inform parents.

Powers is being held at the Elkhart County Jail on $250,000 bond.