Massachusetts

Retired Auburn Music Teacher Charged With Child Rape

A retired music teacher at a Massachusetts elementary school has been charged with raping a child.

Police confirm that 62-year-old Stephen Jaszek, of South Hadley, faces four counts of rape of a child and another charge of aggravated indecent assault and battery on a child under 14.

Jaszek taught at Julia Bancroft Elementary School in Auburn. Auburn Public Schools said in a statement that Jaszek retired in 2014, and that police told the district the incidents took place at school about nine years ago.

"It's crazy. I can't believe it. I just can't believe it," said one parent, who sent her children to the elementary school but declined to appear on camera. "I didn't have any problems with him. I would have never thought that. But you never know people."

That mother said Jaszek organized shows with the students for holidays and programs.

The victim, according to Superintendent Maryellen Brunelle, was a student at the elementary school.

"Please know that the alleged reprehensible acts of this individual do not in any way characterize the Auburn Public Schools or what we stand for, some of those qualities being respect, integrity and high expectations, all done in partnership with our students' families and the entire Auburn community," Brunelle said in the statement.

Police say Jaszek has been held without bail. He is due to be arraigned Thursday at Worcester Superior Court. It was not immediately clear if he had an attorney.

Auburn Police will hold a press conference Thursday afternoon after Jaszek's court appearance.

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