NJ high school teacher charged with sexually assaulting teen student over prolonged period

"Pequannock High School teacher William Arnold, 53, faces charges including first-degree aggravated sexual assault following an investigation launched last month by the Pequannock Police Department and the Morris County Prosecutor's Office after allegations of "inappropriate behavior" were reported by a fellow educator. Arnold - who is a married dad of three, according to his social media profiles - sexually assaulted the female student on "multiple occasions" over the last year, according to the Morris County Prosecutor's Office."

"The theater and music teacher just co-directed a musical rendition of "The Wedding Singer" before his Sept. 29 arrest. He was placed on "administrative leave" immediately after he was taken into custody. "Please be assured that we are taking every step possible to protect your children, our staff, and our school community. If needed, our guidance counselors are available to all our students and families," Pequannock Schools Superintendent Michael Portas told the school community in a letter obtained by NJ 1015."

"The alleged sexual abuse began when the girl was 15 years old and continued after she turned 16, the prosecutor's office said. Arnold's charges include first-degree aggravated sexual assault, fourth-degree criminal sexual contact and second-degree counts of sexual assault, endangering the welfare of a child, and official misconduct. He's incarcerated at the Morris County Correctional Facility."

A Pequannock High School theater and music teacher, William Arnold, 53, was arrested on Sept. 29 and placed on administrative leave after student sexual assault allegations. Police and the Morris County Prosecutor's Office opened an investigation last month after a fellow educator reported inappropriate behavior. The prosecutor's office alleges Arnold sexually assaulted a female student on multiple occasions over the last year, beginning when she was 15 and continuing after she turned 16. Charges include first-degree aggravated sexual assault, criminal sexual contact, sexual assault counts, endangering the welfare of a child, and official misconduct. Arnold is incarcerated and the district offered counseling and reassurances to the school community.

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