A teacher from Narrangansett Regional High School in Templeton, Massachusetts was arrested on Friday morning for disseminating obscene matter to a minor and trafficking a person under 18 for sexual servitude.
According to the Templeton Police Department, the School Resource Officer received information on August 4, 2016, regarding teacher, 33-year-old Matthew Kacavich. The information warranted an investigation into his actions.
As the investigation went on, Gardner Police were asked to obtain a statement from a former student who had a past relationship with Kacavich after graduating. Subsequent to the interview, the School Resource Officer interviewed Kacavich, and discovered that he may be in contact with a current student at the school.
After obtaining permission from the minor student's parent to speak to the student about Kacavich, the School Resource Officer and Detective found out that Kacavich had inappropriate contact with the student during the last school year.
The Templeton Police Department obtained an arrest and search warrant, and early Friday morning members of the Templeton Police Department, Worcester Police Departrment and Worcester SWAT arrested Kacavich and searched his home.
Former students necn talked to said they were shocked.
"He seemed like he was a nice guy," said former student, Thomas Hill. "I liked having him as a teacher. Most people did."
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Former student Melanie White said she never had any issues with Kacavich.
"I thought he was fine," said White. "A lot of my friends would have lunch in his classroom. I never did. I thought he was normal."
Dr. Christopher Casavant, Superintendent of Schools, said Kacavich is on paid administrative leave pending the investigation. He released a statement on Saturday:
"The District has no further information at this time, but will continue to update the community as we receive information that we are legally permitted to share publicly.
I want to personally thank the Templeton Police Department for their unwavering support and dedication to the students and staff of the Narragansett Regional School District. Please know, as District there nothing more important than the emotional and physical safety of our children."
Kacavich is in custody on a $2,500 cash bail, and he will be arraigned at the Gardner/Winchendon District Court.
