Former NHS Choral Director Arrested On Sex Charges

By Andrew Gorosko

A man who formerly worked as Newtown High School’s choral director has been arrested by Norwich police, who have charged him with three counts of second-degree sexual assault in connection with his alleged actions involving a “female youth.”

Charged is John E. Harned, Jr, 32, of 133 Walden Street, West Hartford, according to Detective Lieutenant Stephany Bakoulis of the Norwich Police Department.

In July, Newtown School Superintendent Janet Robinson confirmed that Harned had resigned his position at the high school. Harned had faced an investigation into unsubstantiated rumors of inappropriate sexual contact with a Newtown student.

Earlier, Harned had been placed on paid administrative leave while the investigation took place in the last weeks of the 2009-2010 school year, according to Dr Robinson. That investigation included speaking to all connected or knowledgeable persons and also searching telephone records with the assistance of Newtown police.

Det Lt Bakoulis said that at 9:30 am on Tuesday, November 16, West Hartford police served an arrest warrant against Harned at his home, lodging the three sexual assault charges against him.

On October 29, the Norwich Police Department’s juvenile division had received a complaint from an unidentified “female youth” regarding her being the victim of a sexual assault, which resulted in a police investigation into the allegations.

The police probe found that Harned was the victim’s singing coach.

“The assaults took place over the past three months while both Harned and the victim were working together on an event at the Spirit of Broadway Theater,” according to a statement from Norwich police. Police did not disclose the girl’s age.

After Harned was arrested in West Hartford, police transported him to the Norwich Police Department where he was booked on the charges and held on $75,000 bail for a November 17 arraignment in Norwich Superior Court.

Harned, however, posted that bail and was then released from police custody for a December 2 court arraignment, Det Lt Bakoulis said.

Norwich police are continuing their investigation in seeking to identify other possible victims, Det Lt Bakoulis said. Police Detective Damon Wallace can be reached at 860-886-5561, or via the police tip line at 860-886-5561, extension 500.