NJ History Teacher Pleads Not Guilty To Having Sexual Relationship With Student
PATERSON, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- A New Jersey history teacher accused of having a sexual relationship with a student faced a judge for the first time Tuesday.
Kristin Leone, who was charged with having sex with her 16-year-old student appeared nervous and unsure in court. Her attorney had to speak on her behalf, as she stood next to him.
She entered a plea of not guilty.
Prosecutors said the 26-year-old not only had sex with the male student at her home, but also engaged in sexual activity with the boy inside a Clifton high school classroom as he got extra-help.
The mother of the boy, who came to court to confront Leone spoke to CBS 2's Christine Sloan.
"Lots of things were going through my mind," she said. "All I have to say that it is a very difficult moment for me."
Investigators said Leone and the 16-year-old boy started the inappropriate relationship with text messages. Prosecutors said the teen is cooperating and that an investigation is underway to see if there are other victims.
"This is the only case we have information about, but we're going to be talking to other students in her class and other persons in the school and we're gathering evidence as we speak," said Chief Assistant Prosecutor Joseph Del Russo.
Leone is out on $100,000 bail. The judge told her she can't have contact with the victim or any child under 18. She has also been suspended from the Clifton school district with pay as the investigation continues.
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