Oct 3, 2007 7:15 pm US/Central
Sex Offender Found Dead In North Texas School
by Mark Johnson
RHOME (CBS 11 News) ―
A custodian was found dead inside a Wise County school and it's what police discovered about that man that has some parents very concerned.
Wednesday students at Chisholm Trail Middle School in Rhome were sent home with a letter from the Northwest Independent School District. The note explains what happened at the school early Tuesday morning.
The body of Jose Cortez-Lopez, a janitor at the school, was found inside the boy's locker room. According to reports, other janitors found the 37-year-olds body just after 1 a.m.
Rhome police say Lopez died from autoerotic asphyxiation, which occurred during an act of self gratification. He was found with a plastic bag over his head.
Further investigation by police revealed that Lopez had lied about his true identity and his criminal history. It turns out Lopez is a registered sex offender who is 2006 was convicted of indecency with a child, in Tarrant County.
Lopez, who was employed by GCA Services Group, had identification and documentation under the name Hector Garza. Southern Building Services, Inc., a part of GCA Services Group, provides custodial services to public and private K-12 schools across the country.
"I know that the principal said that he was contracted through another company. But you would think they would have to have background checks," said parent Tracy Neatrour.
Presenting identification as Hector Garza, Lopez passed a criminal background check done by GCA Services. Both school district and GCA Services officials say they were shocked to learn that Lopez possessed documentation of at least two identities.
A press release sent out by the Northwest ISD School District said, in part, "Thorough background checks are standard practice and this man had a clean record based on the identity presented at the time of employment. The documentation was complete and necessary for employment."
Administrators at Chisholm Trail say classes will continue as scheduled and counselors are on hand to talk with concerned students or employees.
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