A math teacher at Union City High School South was arrested last weekend and charged with allegedly having a sexual relationship with a 16-year-old student.
Francisco Lindo, 30, was arrested at his Clifton residence Saturday night and charged early Sunday morning with sexual assault and criminal sexual contact, said Passaic County Chief Assistant Prosecutor Joseph Del Russo.
Lindo allegedly had sex with the victim at his home, said Del Russo, after the two exchanged e-mail addresses while in school, and allegedly continued to have contact with each other outside the classroom from February 2008 to November 2008.
Del Russo said the initial e-mail exchange occurred when Lindo offered to e-mail the victim songs he had recommended to her. They continued their contact via e-mail and instant message, said Del Russo, and Lindo allegedly sent the victim photos and videos of him naked via the Internet.
Del Russo said that Union City police were contacted after the victim told a nurse’s aide, a woman described as well-liked by students, about the alleged relationship. The school employee reported it.
The lawyer representing Lindo, Miles Feinstein, said last week: “He is presumed to be innocent and maintains his innocence and there will be an explanation regarding what happened. We are looking forward to him being vindicated at trial.”
Suspended with pay
The victim and the nurse’s aide had been discussing normal teenage issues, said Del Russo, such as “girls, dating, the habits of teenagers in the modern world.” During the conversation, the school employee shared a story from her own youth about a girl she knew who had had a relationship with a teacher and was expelled.
Del Russo said the story resonated with the Union City student, who then told the nurse’s aide about her own alleged affair.
“We will do everything to take all the right, appropriate steps.” – Stanley Sanger
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Sanger also said that Lindo has now been suspended with pay. Sanger said Lindo had taught at the high school for five years, but is not currently the wrestling coach, as reported elsewhere.
Lindo is currently out on $100,000 bail, said Del Russo.
“We will do everything to take all the right, appropriate steps and do the maximum we can to protect the safety and well-being of our students,” said Sanger. He added that his department is currently working with child welfare and law enforcement agencies to deal with the matter.
Amanda Staab can be reached at astaab@hudsonreporter.com.