Prison for Bob Lazzell, was Dean of Education at Maranatha Baptist University

Vermilion County, Illinois • Former Danville First Baptist School Principal Robert Lazzell Sentenced to 12 Years for Criminal Sexual Assault of Former Student

"August 1, 2023...Robert Lazzell has been sentenced to 12 years in prison after pleading guilty to Criminal Sexual Assault against former student Michael Young."

"the grooming, abuse, and sexual assault, and threats...began when he was an 8th grader...the harassment of him by Lazzell continued when he went away to college in Florida, with Lazzell trying to convince him to come to Maranatha Baptist in Wisconsin where he had gone to work."

 

Since-deleted bio from Maranatha Baptist University's website:

Internet Archive • Bob Lazzell Appointed Dean of the School of Education

"Maranatha Baptist University is pleased to announce that Bob Lazzell will be assuming the role of Dean of the School of Education in the Fall of 2021. Lazzell has been at Maranatha since 2016"

"After graduating from Bob Jones with a BA in Elementary Education and an MA in Educational Leadership and Supervision, Lazzell taught 6th grade in Greenville, South Carolina, and 4th grade in Danville, Illinois. In 2000, he took on the role of administrator at First Baptist Christian School in Danville. During that time, he taught Bible, Science, English, Computer, and Economics classes"

"'I am looking forward to continuing my service to MBU’s students in the School of Education...I have also been privileged to work with Dr. Handyside'"

"Dr. Handyside has worked with Lazzell for many years and shares, 'I have no doubt that Dr. Robert Lazzell will provide solid leadership as the new Dean of the School of Education. Dr. Lazzell has proved himself as a Christian School principal in Illinois and as Director of Field Experiences and Student Teaching at Maranatha Baptist University. I have seen firsthand his dedication to the students, the education process, and Maranatha Baptist University’s ethos of academic and spiritual excellence. His faith and trust in God will lead him'."

 

Dr. Handyside, Lazzell's predecessor as Dean of the School of Education, had also come from First Baptist Christian School of Danville. He returned as dean for a year when Maranatha announced Lazzell had "stepped down" to "address a personal matter".

 

Let's not forget to pray for the victim Michael Young and his family and friends.

 

Pray for the victim.

 

Praying for the families from both sides as their lives have changed forever. And the victim as well!