A Massachusetts elementary school teacher has been charged with sexual assaulting two 6-year-old boys.
Noah Campbell-Halley, 36, of Harwich, a technology teacher at the Stony Brook Elementary School in Brewster, was arrested Thursday for sexual misconduct following an investigation that began earlier in the week. Bail was set at $25,000 cash at his arraignment Thursday in Orleans District Court.
School Superintendent Thomas Conrad said Campbell-Halley was placed on administrative leave Monday and parents were notified. He did not say if Campbell-Halley is being paid while out on leave.
Campbell-Halley teaches students in kindergarten through second grade and has worked at the school for five years.
"Due to the confidentiality rights of all parties involved, we are unable at this time to comment further on the specifics of the complaint, the criminal investigation or any related personnel actions," Conrad said. "We continue to cooperate fully with the police and remain committed to our efforts to ensure the physical and emotional well-being of all students."
Brewster police said they received information on Sunday from concerned parents about inappropriate sexual contact between their child and Campbell-Halley. The allegation pertained to an incident that occurred during school hours.
"You're looking at our most vulnerable population and a person in a position of trust. As a parent myself, it's a difficult case to get through but it's our role to have an impartial stance," Brewster Chief of Police Heath J. Eldredge said.
During the course of their investigation, police conducted interviews with the students and enough evidence was gathered to obtain a warrant for Campbell-Halley's arrest.
"If there are other victims out there we certainly want to hear from them. We'll be available to assist those families & to provide resources as necessary," Eldredge said.
School officials held a meeting Thursday night to update worried parents and answer questions.
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“To be honest, my son had him for 1st grade,” said parent Pauline Henry. “And he was great. You meet him and you talk to him and he seemed so normal.”
“I’m horrified,” said Nicole Carvalho, whose daughter was a student of Mr. Campbell-Halley. “I’m shaken that she was in this situation, she was with this man. I don’t feel comfortable sending my child to school here.”
“I just walked out,” said Henry. “This is pointless, I’m getting angrier because they’re not answering anybody’s questions directly. It’s draining. You wonder did it happen to my kid. It’s a big mess.”
Some parents wondered why there can’t be more security cameras inside the school.
“If they have the money to spend it outside, what’s the problem going inside now,” said parent Carrie Adam. “Where’s the security, where’s the safety? Because it’s all out the window now.”
Police say the investigation is still ongoing and anyone with information is encouraged to call Brewster police at 508-896-7011.
