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Brooklyn Teacher Accused Of Having Sexual Contact With Student Facing Charges

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A Brooklyn math teacher was arrested after police say the 34-year-old allegedly had sexual contact with a 14-year-old student.

Police say Andre Braddy is charged with two counts of criminal sex acts, one count of acting in a manner injurious to a child and sex abuse.

Braddy turned his head away from cameras Wednesday as he was led out of the Special Victims Bureau in handcuffs. He ignored questions as he placed into a minivan ahead of his arraignment.

Braddy, who teaches math at Lenox Academy in Canarsi, is accused of having sexual contact with a 14-year-old boy in one of the school's bathrooms.

Investigators said the boy told his parents what he said happened and they told police. Braddy was immediately removed from the school.

Thursday morning, extra school safety officers were outside the school as students arrived. Many students and parents were stunned by the allegations.

"It's really disturbing," said student Amari Aaroni. "What's he's shown us, he doesn't seem like somebody that's capable of something like that."

"Shock. I always heard stuff like this going on but it's really close to home," said parent Alrick Gauze.

"No one knew him to be someone like this," said student Ryan Thompson.

Parents say it's prompted conversations with their children as well.

"I told her the school will probably be discussing things with you today and I've spoken to her before about things like this anyway," said parent Christine Taylor. "Hopefully the school will follow protocol and do the right thing."

Those familiar with Braddy in his Crown Heights neighborhood were also stunned by the allegations.

"That's very shocking, wow," one neighbor said. "I wouldn't think he would be involved in something like that. He doesn't come across -- the guy lives normal life."

In 2014, Braddy was one of four CUNY graduates awarded a $100,000 fellowship for Math for America, agreeing to work as a New York City public school teacher while continuing his own studies.

The city's Department of Education calls the allegations "deeply disturbing," and adds Braddy is being kept away from students. He will be removed from payroll as soon as legally possible, according to the DOE.

CBS2 has reached out to Braddy's lawyer and the teacher's union for comment, but have not heard back from either.

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