Teacher Accused of Sexually Assaulting Relative

A Warwick, Rhode Island, junior high school teacher has been charged with sexually assaulting a 15-year-old female relative last June.

The state attorney general's office said 49-year-old Mario Atoyan of North Kingstown was arraigned Monday in Superior Court on one count each of first-degree sexual assault and second-degree sexual assault. An indictment was unsealed Monday.

Atoyan was freed on $10,000 personal recognizance and ordered to have no contact with the victim. Court records didn't list an attorney for him. A home telephone number couldn't immediately be found.

School Superintendent Richard D'Agostino told WLNE-TV Atoyan, a Gorton Junior High science teacher, is on paid leave.

Police Chief Police Chief Thomas Mulligan told WJAR-TV the victim doesn't have ties to Gorton.

Principal Jeff Taylor sent a letter to parents expressing concern for anyone affected, and said counseling would be available.