Cohasset Teacher Already Accused Of Assault Faces 5 New Charges
COHASSET (CBS) -- A Cohasset teacher who was put on leave months ago and has since resigned following an investigation into claims that he inappropriately touched a female student now faces five more charges. Jeffrey Knight, a teacher at the middle school, is expected to be arraigned Wednesday morning.
Knight, 57, of Pembroke, was charged with two counts of indecent assault and battery on a child under 14 and two counts of indecent assault and battery on a person 14 or older on Sept. 20. He was released on personal recognizance and was due back Wednesday for a scheduled pre-trial conference.
The new charges against Knight are five counts of indecent assault and battery on a child under 14. They are "based on information and investigation developed by the Cohasset Police Department, working with the Norfolk District Attorney's Office, involving an alleged second victim," said the Norfolk D.A.
Shortly after Knight was arraigned in Sept., the Middle/High School Principal Carolyn Connolly was also placed on leave and the school district launched an independent investigation. According to prosecutors at Knight's arraignment, the student reported Knight's alleged conduct to school officials in February, yet it was not reported to police until May.
Superintendent Louise Demas released a statement that said in part, "I am shocked and profoundly disturbed by the allegations against Knight, who was employed in Cohasset since 2011. I have held a public forum with the community and have committed myself and all Cohasset Public Schools administrators to being responsive to all faculty, staff, student and family concerns regarding this matter. The school district also recently convened a family-faculty Safe Schools Committee. We are at the beginning of a long process that will not be completed until all parties have all the relevant answers."
Counselors have been made available for students.