A janitor at North Lynbrook Middle School was taken away in handcuffs Friday and charged with child endangerment after police say he tried to date two female students.

Police say 43-year-old Francisco Avila left boxes of candy and chocolates in a girl?s locker along with notes expressing his affection. They say he sent text messages to another student asking her for a date.

Lynbrook school officials say Avila worked at the school for just 14 months and came up clean during an initial background check.

Nassau Det. Lt. John Azzata says the students were hesitant to come forward with the allegations at first. Avila faces two charges and could face up to a year in prison for each. He has been suspended from the school district.