Vernal middle school principal charged with sexual abuse

A Vernal middle school vice principal has been charged with several counts relating to sexually abusing a child.

David Alan Papadakos, 43, was charged with two counts of aggravated sexual abuse of a child, both first-degree felonies, and 10 counts of forcible sexual abuse, all second-degree felonies, according to documents filed Tuesday in 8th District Court in Uintah County.

Papadakos is accused of repeatedly molesting a male relative, according to a probable cause statement released Wednesday. Authorities first became aware of the allegations when the relative told a friend about the molestation, the statement said.

The relative later told detectives he thought he had been molested about 30 times and provided details about where the alleged abuse took place, according to the PC statement.

Papadakos told police that the relative, who he said had previously been sexually abused in another state before coming to Utah, was sexually aggressive toward him and had grabbed his private areas. He also said the relative had a habit of removing Papadakos' underwear without his knowledge — because he's a deep sleeper — and the relative would tell him "that he was just messing around with him," according to the probable cause statement.

"We feel like there is sufficient evidence to proceed with the case," said Uintah County Attorney G. Mark Thomas.

Papadakos' attorney couldn't immediately be reached for comment.

"The only allegation that we've charged him with is in relation to his [relative]," Thomas said, noting that he's not been presented any cases involving any of Papadakos' students.

Thomas said Papadakos made his first court appearance Wednesday when bail was set at $10,000. As part of that, Papadakos was ordered to have no contact with anyone under the age of 18.

A judge scheduled Papadakos' preliminary hearing for Dec. 5.

Uintah School District did not return a message seeking comment as to Papadakos' employment status with the district.

jstecklein@sltrib.com

Twitter @sltribjanelle