East Haven school officials will defer to the legal system and take no action against two high school students charged with sexually assaulting a classmate.
Jonathan Toro, 18, and Robert DeMars, 17, attended classes at East Haven High School Friday, two days after they were charged with sexually assaulting a female classmate for three hours after school Jan. 18.
“This is a matter involving the police, and when that matter works its way through the legal system, and when any judgment is made by the courts, we will weigh our courses of action at that time,” Principal John Smith said.
He described Toro and DeMars as “students in good standing” who are “going about their business.”
Superintendent of Schools Martin DeFelice said administrators will wait until the matter is resolved in court, review the students’ records and decide if disciplinary action is warranted.
School officials will take immediate action if they believe the teens pose a threat, he said. Expulsions are imposed only for safety reasons, DeFelice said.
Toro and DeMars could avoid any school sanctions. The criminal case will likely take months and the two students are expected to graduate in the spring.
Police spokesman Sgt. Robert Flodquist said the criminal investigation has ended and the students are “under the control of the Board of Education,” which will handle the matter “with the safety of all parties involved kept in mind.”
Toro and DeMars were charged with first-degree sexual assault, conspiracy, unlawful restraint and risk of injury to a minor.
They pleaded innocent at New Haven Superior Court and were released on $100,000 bail each. Their next court date is April 22.
–Associated Press