Crime & Safety

Sister of Teacher Accused of Child Enticement: 'There's No Way He Did This'

Thomas Adams, a Horlick High School gym teacher, is accused of child enticement. Family, friends and students are shocked at the allegations.

People who know Horlick High School gym teacher Thomas Adams well expressed shock and disbelief after they heard the news that he had been charged with child enticement yesterday.

Adams lives in Caledonia, and is a former Racine police officer.

Rhonda Barnes, Adams' sister, told Patch media partners at WISN 12 that there was no way that Adams had done what he's accused of doing. In the criminal complaint, a 15-year-old student reported Adams made inappropriate remarks to her and asked her to show her breasts in exchange for a good grade.

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"There's no way he did this. He's all about teaching kids' about choices, it's his whole life's mission," Barnes said.

One Patch reader who commented on our story said he has known Adams for six years.

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"His humor is a lot like that; he makes questionable comments towards people. I don't know if he meant it as a joke or was being serious. Either way, it was inappropriate and I hope he and others learn that this is no way to address people," the reader (who did not use his real name) said.

A former student wrote Adams was "an amazing listener and great teacher... I am appalled anyone would put such serious accusations on him and I do not believe it for a minute."

Another Patch reader said Adams used to be his wrestling coach.

"I hope he's innocent but guess we'll see," he said.

Adams will be in court for a preliminary hearing at 9 a.m. Feb. 20.


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