SARANAC LAKE-A former substitute teacher's aide at the Saranac Lake Central School, facing child molestation charges, appeared in Saranac Lake Village Court Monday, represented by Ronald Kilburn of Batavia, the defendant's uncle.

Seth Kilburn, 30, hired as a substitute for the school district in October, had submitted a letter of resignation just days before he was arrested on March 5 and charged with two counts of forcible touching and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child.

According to police, all four counts are related to one child.

The Franklin County District Attorney's office has asked that anyone who has additional information pertaining to the case to contact their office. According to prosecutors, the alleged incidents took place at the Saranac Lake Middle School where Kilburn was a substitute teacher's aide at the time. The alleged victim was under the supervision of Kilburn.

Saranac Lake village justice Charles Bell has recused himself from the case due to his position as athletic director for the Saranac Lake school district.

The investigation is ongoing. According to Kilburn's uncle, the alleged victim made similar accusations towards another teacher last year which were deemed unfounded. 3-28-07

© 2007 North Country Gazette