MONTVILLE, Conn. (AP) — Connecticut prosecutors are investigating whether three high school administrators failed to report a sexual misconduct complaint filed against a teacher by a student.
A spokesperson for the Office of the Chief State's Attorney told The Day of New London that the New London State's Attorney's Office is looking into whether a law was violated that requires “mandated reporters,” such as teachers, principals and school psychologists, to verbally report suspected child abuse.
Such reports of suspected abuse are required to be reported within 12 hours of receiving a complaint. A written report is then required within 48 hours. Violators face a misdemeanor charge, punishable by up to a year in prison, up to a $2,000 fine, or both.
A Montville police officer, not Montville High School officials, was the first to report the suspected abuse to the Department of Children and Families, a state police spokesperson told The Day. Ken Mysogland, a spokesperson for families department, said the agency assessed whether school officials delayed or failed to report the girl's complaint and has since referred the matter to the Office of the State's Attorney.
The teacher, who is also a football coach at Montville High School, was placed on paid leave in October for comments he allegedly made to the 14-year-old student in class. The girl reported it Sept. 29 to a school psychologist, the principal and vice principal, according to her mother.
The families department defines sexual abuse of a child as “any incident involving a child’s nonaccidental exposure to sexual behavior.”
The school officials did not respond to requests for comment from The Day. The superintendent of schools said that personnel matters are confidential and that it would not comment further.