news-record.com

GREENSBORO — A former custodian at Joyner Elementary School was sentenced to nearly five years in state prison Tuesday for sexually assaulting a 5-year-old girl in the school’s cafeteria last summer.

Joel Van Stephenson, 56, of 2105 Tarrywood Drive pleaded guilty to a first-degree sex offense, which occurred between July and mid-August 2008.

Assistant Guilford County District Attorney Kelly Thompson said teachers were present inside the cafeteria when the incident happened. She said Stephenson was known to help children open their milk cartons during lunch period. When the teachers’ backs were turned, he stuck his hands down the child’s pants.

The girl was taking an English as a Second Language class at the school when the incident happened and later told her parents.

Stephenson was fired from Guilford County Schools after officials learned of the charges in September 2008.

As part of his sentencing, Stevenson must also register as a sex offender.

Contact Ryan Seals at 373-7077 or ryan.seals@news-record.com