UPDATE: Rua's next court appearance is Oct. 30.
Robert Rua, the school custodian arrested for sending notes to a 10-year-old student, is due in court Wednesday.
Rua is out on $35,000 bail, charged with risk of injury to a minor, second-degree harassment and disorderly conduct.
Milford police arrested Rua Sept. 9 in connection with the harassment of a grammar school student. Rua, 55, of Milford is alleged to have left notes and gifts on the student’s desk.
According to police, the Milford Board of Education received a complaint on Sept. 9 from a school official who said a student had been receiving notes and gifts on her desk from an unknown person who was trying to develop a personal relationship with her.
School administrators contacted the police department to conduct an investigation because the writing and content of the written communication appeared to be that of an adult.
On Sept. 9, Orchard Hills School Principal Dr. Clifford Dudley told police that a fifth grade teacher contacted him that morning and told him that several students entered their classroom in the morning and found seven puzzle boxes on their desks. The teacher said he had no idea who might have left them.
After the teacher took attendance, the 10-year-old girl went to him and said that one of the puzzle boxes was left for her. “She also handed [the teacher] a note that she said was left for her by the night custodian Rob.”
According to the warrant, the teacher read the note and then immediately notified the principal.
Rua’s bail carries the condition that he not have contact with the young student and not go to Orchard Hills School. According to court documentsw, a protective order was issued.
The Milford Public Schools has placed Rua on administrative leave.