BDPD: ‘BDUSD Handled Assault Allegations Perfectly’

2/6/12 – Authorities say the Beaver Dam School District appropriately handled accusations of sexual assault by a school custodian. Joseph A. Posthuma is free after posting a $5000 cash bond in connection with an alleged 18-month long relationship with a student at the high school he once cleaned. The 27-year-old Beaver Dam man was reportedly transferred to Trenton Elementary a year ago. Detective Ryan Klavekoske told us on WBEV’s Community Comment on Friday that parents are understandably concerned but he says they can be assured that the school district immediately notified authorities after getting word of the allegations. He also commended the school district for phoning parents with a pre-recorded message detailing the situation just hours after the arrest. The teen victim reportedly met Posthuma at the high school in July of 2010 and a physical relationship began that November. Posthuma allegedly admitted the contact to investigators and both parties said the approximately 10 to 15 encounters were consensual. The victim told police that Posthuma tried to break-off the relationship several times but she persisted. A judge will decide next week if there is enough evidence to order a trial.