Delco swim school manager accused of grooming, assaulting teen employee

ASTON, Pa. (WPVI) -- A 46-year-old Delaware man is behind bars after police say he groomed and sexually assaulted a 16-year-old boy who worked for him at a Delaware County swim school.

Todd Hill, identified by police as a manager at Kids First Swim School in Aston, is accused of assaulting the teen, who was one of his employees.

Investigators said the boy worked as a swim instructor and lifeguard at the school.

"The victim was a swim instructor, lifeguard at the school and Todd was the manager of the school at the time," said Master Cpl. Richard Chambers of New Castle County Police.

Authorities allege Hill brought the teen to his home on the unit block of South Cannon Drive in Wilmington, Delaware. Neighbors described Hill as friendly and said they were shocked by the accusations.

"The whole six years I've known him, nothing like this would have occurred to my mind," one neighbor said. "I'm beyond shocked. I'm devastated, I'm heartbroken. Lke none of this makes sense."

Police also said the teen not only stayed with Hill but also traveled with him as well. Investigators said they learned Hill took the boy on a trip outside the country.

"They found out that he was traveling to Mexico with the 16-year-old," Chambers said.

The investigation began in January when the victim's parents reported the alleged abuse to Aston police. Because the incidents were believed to have occurred in Delaware, New Castle County police took over the case. Detectives said they later discovered concerning messages between Hill and the teen.

"It's very concerning especially in the position that he held supervising lifeguards and in the community," Chambers said.

Kids First Swim Schools said Hill is no longer employed there. In a statement, the business said, "None of the families or children were affected by Mr. Hill's alleged activities."

Authorities said they are investigating whether additional victims may be involved and are urging anyone with information to contact police.

"That's a possibility. At this time, we're asking if anyone has any information to please reach out to us and our detectives will sort through all that information and determine if there were more victims involved," Chambers said.

Hill is being held on $21,000 bail, according to police.