Rhode Island's Department of Children, Youth and Families says school officials in Providence failed to notify the department that a gym teacher had been accused of molesting students.
James Duffy, of Warwick, was arraigned Thursday on five counts of child molestation and has been placed on administrative leave.
Duffy is accused of groping and rubbing against the girls during gym class and in a cafeteria over the past year at Harry Kizirian Elementary School.
Kerri White, a DCYF spokeswoman tells the Providence Journal the department was never notified of the investigation, as required by law, by the Providence School Department.
The president of the Providence School Board has called for an emergency meeting for next Wednesday to discuss the situation.
A phone call seeking comment Friday at a home number listed for Duffy rang unanswered.
