Parents at a Massachusetts middle school where a teacher allegedly indecently assaulted a female student on several occasions are reacting to the news.
Jeffrey Knight, 57, of Pembroke, was charged in a criminal complaint with two counts of indecent assault and battery on a child under 14 and two counts of indecent assault and battery on a person 14 or over.
Police say the charges involving the same victim happened on multiple occasions during school time in 2017 and 2018.
Officials with Cohasset Public Schools confirmed Thursday that Knight has been placed on leave.
In a statement, Superintendent Louise Demas said she was "disturbed and deeply troubled" by the allegations.
"I understand that families, students, faculty, and staff alike will no doubt have questions," Demas wrote. "Due to legal limitations, I cannot discuss the allegations further."
Parents of students said Friday they were also troubled by the allegations.
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"As a teacher, they should be reputable and show an example to the rest of the community," said parent Deborah Pritchard. "Nobody has business touching anybody’s children, especially in an inappropriate way."
Jim Bonner, whose granddaughter is about to start at the middle school, said he was concerned, but wanted to get the other side of the story.
"I was concerned, but he's still innocent until proven guilty. I mean, I'd like to hear the other side of the story," said Bonner.
While school starts on Tuesday, parents like Pritchard said it's a good idea to speak to children about situations like this one.
"Gotta give them the heads up before they go to school. It's a discussion that should be at home," said Pritchard.
In the meantime, Knight is scheduled to be arraigned on Sept. 19 at Quincy District Court. It's unclear if he has an attorney.
