Cops: Bayville Teacher Arrested For 'Inappropriate Contact' With Student
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A music teacher in the Locust Valley School District has been arrested and charged with endangering the welfare of a child.
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John Benstock, 47, of Bayville, was arrested Monday after authorities said he had "inappropriate contact" with a Bayville Intermediate School student, who was under 10-years-old.
Police said the alleged incident happened on April 26 while Benstock was teaching a class of five third graders.
Det. Lt. Kevin Smith explained the student was "enticed to touch [the] teacher in an inappropriate manner."
Benstock pleaded not guilty at his arraignment Tuesday. Bail was set at $10,000.
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He has been a teacher with the Locust Valley School District since 2000 and previously worked in schools in Valley Stream, Lawrence, Bay Shore and Rockville Centre. He also worked as a teacher for All Saints Regional Catholic School.
Pending the outcome of investigations by the police and school district, Benstock has been reassigned to his home with pay. He has also been directed to not have any communication or contact with any student who he was currently teaching or whom he has taught in the past, or the parents of such students.
"Our District will continue to cooperate fully with the police and will continue to make the safety and well-being of our students and staff our top priority," Locust Valley Superintendent of Schools Dr. Anna F. Hunderfund said in a statement.
