
A former paraprofessional at a West Hartford Public Schools program for those with significant behavioral and emotional disabilities is accused of sexually assaulting and texting students.
Dean Jones, 24, of Hartford was working at the STRIVE School. Police say Jones was accused of inappropriately touching two juvenile students in January. They say he also sent sex-related texts to a student.
Jones is charged with two counts of 4th degree sexual assault and one count of enticing a minor by computer. He posted $125,000 bond and is due in court later this month.
West Hartford Public Schools superintendent Paul Vicinus issued a statement to WTIC:
"In a letter to the STRIVE School community, we informed families about the recent incident involving a teaching assistant who was reported for inappropriate behaviors involving sexual harassment and/or sexual assault. Upon receiving information regarding his alleged behavior, we immediately notified the West Hartford Police Department as well as the Department of Children and Families and suspended the employee until the police concluded their investigation. The WHPD notified us today that the former employee was arrested and formally charged. The individual is no longer in the employ of West Hartford Public Schools."
"Throughout this process, school personnel, DCF and WHPD have been in communication with the families of the student(s) involved and appropriate supports continue to be available. The safety and well-being of all students is a top priority and the parties involved are to be commended for coming forward to report this very regrettable and inappropriate situation. I can appreciate the upsetting nature of news of such behavior and its departure from the very high standards for expectations of professional and moral conduct. Both the district and the STRIVE School community remain committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment that preserves the dignity and respect of all individuals and enables the conditions for student growth and learning."