Rochester Teacher Accused Of Assaulting Students

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ROCHESTER (CBS) – A sixth grade teacher in Rochester is accused of inappropriately touching his students. James Sullivan, 35, works at the Rochester Memorial School.

Police say last week they were called by administrators after there were allegations of inappropriate physical contact with students.

Based off those reports, police got an arrest warrant. Sullivan turned himself in to police on Saturday.

James Sullivan accused of assaulting students at Rochester Memorial School (Image from Rochester PD)

Sullivan is charged with one count of assault and battery and one count of indecent assault and battery of a child under 14. He faced a judge Monday and was released on bail.

In a statement, Old Rochester Regional School District Superintendent Douglas White Jr. said, "We continue to remain committed to our efforts to ensure a safe learning environment, including the physical and emotional well-being of our students and staff."

Jennifer Kulek's daughter was in Sullivan's class last year. "We loved Mr. Sullivan," Kulek told WBZ. "He was excellent for my daughter. We were shocked, both of us."

Sullivan was immediately placed on administrative leave and is due back in court on May 31.