Hutchinson Big Brother Volunteer Arrested for Indecent Liberties

December 01, 2009

by Cliff Judy (HUTCHINSON, Kan.)

A 20-year-old man volunteering as a Big Brothers/Big Sisters mentor in Hutchinson has been arrested on suspicion of aggravated indecent liberties with a 12-year-old boy. Hutchinson Police detectives say they arrested Conrad Szyc Monday morning for allegedly touching the boy he'd been matched with through the mentor program.

Sgt. John Taylor tells Eyewitness News the alleged incident happened on August 23, the boy told his parents, and parents reported it to police the next day.

After presenting the case to Reno County prosecutors, the Reno DA requested Szyc be picked up on a felony arrest warrant.

On Tuesday, Szyc made his first appearance at the Reno County Courthouse. He's been charged with Aggravated Indecent Liberties with a Child. Because Szyc is over the age of 18 and the victim is younger than 14 years old, the charge is a Jessica's Law offense. If convicted, it means Szyc faces life in prison with the possibility of parole in 25 years.

Sgt. Taylor says Szyc has cooperated fully with investigators. Taylor says the victim in the case is not from Reno County, but he knew Szyc through Big Brothers/Big Sisters.

Szyc is a resident of Poland and is currently a student at Hutchinson Community College.

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Cara Kliewer, Communications Director for Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters, issued the following statement Tuesday afternoon:

"We are aware of the arrest and investigation involving a former volunteer with our organization and are alarmed and deeply saddened by reports of any child being harmed. Because the investigation is in progress, it would be inappropriate and irresponsible for us to discuss or speculate about any specifics.

However, please know that we make child safety our priority. We have zero tolerance for abuse. Our volunteers and staff undergo thorough screening and background checks and we provide ongoing professional support for our children and families. We remain committed to improving children's odds for succeeding in school and breaking negative cycles and believe that safety and security are the foundation of the service we provide. The integrity of our program is extremely important and to achieve the highest quality standards possible, we work to constantly review and strengthen our screening and background check systems as new best practices in the industry emerge.

We are working with authorities in the investigation."

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