A Milford school custodian was arrested Tuesday after police say he repeatedly left notes and gifts on a fifth-grade student's desk in an effort to develop a personal relationship with her.

Police say 55-year-old Robert Rua, who works at Orchard Hills Elementary School, had been leaving notes and gifts inside the girl's desk since the start of the school year.

The arrest warrant states that on the first day of school there was a small drum on the girl's desk with a note stating, "I found you" which she thought was from Rua, an evening custodian.

The document says the 10-year-old also received a windup bumble bee toy.

Police say the girl received another gift Tuesday with a note saying in part, "Remember I want to keep this just between us." "Don't want anyone to ruin it 4 us." They say she reported it to her teacher and an investigation began.

Police say the student also reported it to her parents and left a note asking that the notes and gifts stop, but they continued. Rua became a suspect when police allegedly searched his home and found similar items to those left for the girl. He was arrested shortly after and charged with risk of injury, disorderly conduct and second-degree harassment.

The Milford School District released a statement saying Rua never personally approached the student and that he has been placed on paid administrative leave pending the results of the police investigation. He is being held on a $35,000 bond and is due back in court later this month.