Teacher At P.S. 249 In Brooklyn Accused Of Groping 9 Young Students
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A New York City science teacher has been accused of sexually abusing several young students over the course of two years.
Omil Carrasquillo, 36, of Selden, pleaded not guilty on Monday to inappropriately touching four elementary school girls at P.S. 249 in Brooklyn. Authorities said he had earlier been accused of groping five other girls at the school.
Teacher At P.S. 249 In Brooklyn Accused Of Groping 9 Young Students
According to the 22-count indictment, Carrasquillo allegedly groped or fondled the female students, who were between the ages of 8 and 11, on multiple occasions between Nov. 1, 2012 and Sept. 18, 2014.
"This is a disturbing case in which a teacher allegedly groped young girls. This defendant is an alleged predator who surrounded himself with vulnerable victims," Brooklyn District Attorney Ken Thompson said. "What should have been a safe haven instead became a parent's worst nightmare. We will now seek to vindicate the rights of these children."
The district attorney's office said the allegations came to light after one of the students came forward and an investigation was completed.
Some parents told CBS2's Emily Smith they were the last to find out.
"It is very disturbing to know it is right here where my child is attending school," one parent said.
Sergio was waiting to pick up his nephew from the school on Monday and told 1010 WINS' Carol D'Auria he found the news very disturbing.
"You know, it's scary too. They're not even safe in school anymore," he said. "Anything like this can be going on for a whole year and nobody can talk about it."
One woman told D'Auria she knows some of the children who were victimized and said they and their families have been through so much.
"I mean, they're young but that will affect you for the rest of your life, I worry," she said.
The Department of Education said Carrasquillo was removed from the school.
Carrasquillo faces three counts of first-degree sexual abuse, three counts of second-degree sexual abuse, 11 counts of endangering the welfare of a child, and five counts of second-degree course of sexual conduct against a child.
His attorney, Anthony LaPinto, would only say they're prepared to meet the allegations.
"(I'm) not commenting on anything. To do so at this point early in the (case) would be inappropriate for everybody," LaPinto said.
Carrasquillo was released on $200,000 bail and is due back in court on Feb. 6.
"(It's) very appalling and I don't know why he is out on bail. He should be locked away until everything is finalized," a parent said.
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