Arizona Law Fails to Prevent School Assault
An Arizona law intended to keep sex offenders away from schools did not stop a recently released felon from entering a Phoenix elementary school and allegedly sexually assaulting a 10-year-old girl.
Abel Kai Gubra, 25, has been charged with sexual assault and kidnapping after he arrived at Orangewood Elementary School on November 19, posed as a doctor, and lured students into a vacant classroom where he assaulted them, according to the Phoenix Police Department.
Gubra was released from prison just two weeks prior to the incident. He has a history that includes being involved in smuggling individuals across the border into the U.S., according to reports.
Prosecutors revealed that Gubra has two prior convictions related to child sex offenses from 2021. He pleaded guilty to sexual conduct with a minor, though charges related to child sex trafficking and enticement of a minor were dismissed.
Documents reviewed by local news indicate that Gubra entered the school claiming he was a doctor needing to “take a test” in an empty classroom. Once inside, he allegedly removed the girl’s pants and assaulted her.
When the girl pushed him and insisted that he stop, he reportedly fled the scene.
Phoenix Police Sgt. Rob Scherer expressed skepticism that this was simply a crime of opportunity, suggesting that it appeared to be premeditated. He indicated that Gubra likely planned the event in advance.
Interestingly, Gubra is a former student of Orangewood Elementary, having attended the school between 2012 and 2015.
Arizona law prohibits certain registered sex offenders from residing within 300 feet of a school, yet this did not prevent Gubra from entering the premises.
After reviewing the school’s security footage, law enforcement was able to track down and arrest Gubra at his home, located two miles away from the school.
Reports indicate he gained access to the school through the lobby after a student on administrative leave buzzed him in through a locked door.
In response to the incident, the principal stated that the school is assessing its safety protocols.
A judge has set Gubra’s cash-only bond at $500,000, with a preliminary hearing scheduled for December 1.
