A Bronx publc school teacher was arrested for sexually abusing a 12-year-old student, telling her he wanted to “take [her] home,” prosecutors said.
Raul Gonzalez, 61, was arrested around noon Friday at his school in Mott Haven.
He is accused of multiple incidents between Nov. 7 and Dec. 5 in which he allegedly touched the waist of the 12-year-old girl, hugging her from behind so that his privates underneath his clothes pressed against her, according to the criminal complaint against him.
Gonzalez told her, “I want to take you home,” making her scared and alarmed, the complaint alleges.
In addition to sexual abuse, Gonzalez is charged with harassment and endangering the welfare of a child.
“The safety and wellbeing of our students is our number one priority. This alleged behavior is reprehensible and deeply concerning,” a spokesperson for the city Department of Education said. “This individual is being removed from the school community, and if convicted, we will pursue termination.”
Gonzalez pleaded not guilty during his Firday arraignment in Bronx Criminal Court and was released without bail. His next court appearance is Feb. 25.
With Colin Mixson and Cayla Bamberger
