NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — A well-respected former Bronx charter school music teacher sexually abused students as young as 12 for years, federal prosecutors said Monday.
Jesus Concepcion, 48, repeatedly sexually abused four underage students between 2000 and 2007, showering the children with gifts, money, alcohol and even cell phones so they could secretly communicate without their parents’ knowledge, prosecutors detailed in newly unsealed Manhattan Federal Court documents.
The former school orchestra conductor was arrested Saturday Charlotte, North Carolina, and faces a maximum sentence of a life in prison.
“As alleged, Jesus Concepcion abused his position as a teacher at a public school in the Bronx to engage in sexual relationships with several of his students,” said Manhattan U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss in a statement. “Concepcion sexually exploited those students, who were minors, at the public school, in and around the Bronx, and in other states.”
Concepcion was the subject of glowing articles while teaching in the Bronx, and was described in a 2001 New York Times article as the “heart” of Bronx Prep, where he had reportedly taught between stints at KIPP Academy.
“[Concepcion’s] tough-love blend of hugs, humor and high expectations endeared him to the school's students, many of whom saw him as a father figure,” the piece went on.
Concepcion allegedly told the victims they were in romantic relationships together and would abuse them at school, or away from campus at New Jersey motels, among other locations, according to prosecutors.
“Teachers serve as trusted figures to their students as they work to educate and prepare them for the future,” FBI Acting Assistant Director Jacqueline Maguire said. “As alleged, Mr. Concepcion egregiously breached that trust as he abused his position to coerce students – some as young as 12 years old – into having sex with him.”