A 30-year old former math teacher surrendered to police and was arrested Monday for allegedly engaging in oral sex with a 16-year old student at Riverdale Country School in the Bronx.
Richard Hovan is being charged criminal sexual activity for having oral sex with the girl twice in 2011 and endangering the welfare of a child. He has pleaded not guilty.
Prosecutors said Hovan, an MIT and Columbia University educated teacher, lured the girl with multiple email and text exchanges sent over a period of several months, with court papers stating the sexual encounters took place at his Chelsea apartment.
Tuition for the elite Riverdale Country School charges a hefty $40,050 a year.
As The New York Times notes, Hovan's arrest comes at a time of increased concern over sexual abuse occurring in schools.
Early April, an investigative report produced by the city's education department found 16 New York teachers accused of various sexual misconduct charges were found to still be employed in schools.
Schools Chancellor Dennis Walcott said of the disturbing report, "If I had my way, these teachers would no longer be in the classroom" adding "common-sense reforms" would permit him to remove the teachers from the school system.
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