A Delaware swim school manager is behind bars after police say he groomed and sexually assaulted a 16-year-old boy who worked for him.
Todd Hill, 46, was identified by police as a manager at Kids First Swim School in Aston, Pennsylvania. Investigators said the teen worked at the school as a swim instructor and lifeguard while Hill was his supervisor.
“The victim was a swim instructor, lifeguard at the school and Todd was the manager of the school at the time,” Master Cpl. Richard Chambers of the New Castle County Police said.
Authorities allege Hill brought the teen to his home on South Cannon Drive in Wilmington, Delaware. Police said the boy stayed with Hill and also traveled with him.
Investigators said they later learned Hill had taken the 16-year-old on a trip outside the country.
“They found out that he was traveling to Mexico with the 16-year-old,” Chambers said.
The investigation began in January after the teen’s parents reported the alleged abuse to Aston police. Because the alleged incidents were believed to have happened in Delaware, New Castle County police took over the case.
Detectives said they later uncovered concerning messages between Hill and the teen.
“It’s very concerning, especially in the position that he held supervising lifeguards and in the community,” Chambers said.
Neighbors who knew Hill said they were stunned by the allegations.
“The whole six years I’ve known him, nothing like this would have occurred to my mind,” one neighbor said. “I’m beyond shocked. I’m devastated, I’m heartbroken. Like none of this makes sense.”
Kids First Swim Schools said Hill is no longer employed there. In a statement, the business said, “None of the families or children were affected by Mr. Hill’s alleged activities.”
Police said they are still investigating whether there may be additional victims and are asking anyone with information to contact authorities.
“That’s a possibility,” Chambers said. “At this time, we’re asking if anyone has any information to please reach out to us and our detectives will sort through all that information and determine if there were more victims involved.”
Hill is being held on $21,000 bail, according to police.
Why would the parents allow him to travel with the guy to begin with?