Date: Fri 04-Jun-1999

Publication: Bee

Author: STEVEB

Quick Words:

school-sexual-assault

Full Text:

Boys Facing Sexual Assault Charges Are Expelled From School

Two Newtown Middle School students have been expelled for an alleged sexual

assault on a female student. A total of three teenage boys -- all eighth

graders -- are facing criminal charges in connection with the May 5 incident.

On May 19, the first student was expelled for a year by the Board of Education

with the second student removed from the school for six months May 27. Board

members voted unanimously in favor of the expulsions in both cases. Their

rulings went into effect immediately. A school board decision on the third boy

is still pending.

According to police, the alleged assault took place behind the Grand Union

soon after the close of the school day (around 3:30 pm). The boys' ages range

between 13 and 14. They were scheduled to appear in Danbury Juvenile Court May

26 to answer charges. One boy additionally was charged with making a false

statement in the second degree.

The names of the three juveniles have not been released.

According to Board of Education meeting minutes, "the students attempted to,

and did engage, in unwanted and inappropriate harassment and harmful physical

touching of the student involving touching on and about her clothing and

unbuttoning of her pants." There were also allegations of verbal harassment.

The board ruled that the conduct was in violation of a board policy which bans

intimidation, physical harm, and/or harassment of students. Also, although the

incident took place off school grounds, the school board felt it was seriously

disruptive to the educational process.

Both students will be permitted to reapply to school in August, provided they

meet certain academic and counseling requirements.

Police said they interviewed the victim, witnesses, and the accused in their

investigation.

Fourth-degree sexual assault involves sexual contact. Police provided no other

details in the case.