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Teacher accused of improper contact with two students at Providence middle school


Joseph Teno. (Providence Police Department){ }
Joseph Teno. (Providence Police Department)
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Providence police said Thursday that a teacher in Providence Public Schools was arrested on child molestation charges.

A statement from the school district says the allegations involve students at Esek Hopkins Middle School, where the suspect taught.

Maj. David Lapatin told NBC 10 the incident allegedly happened during school hours.

Police said Joseph Teno was arrested Wednesday. He was arraigned Thursday two counts of second-degree child molestation. No plea was entered.

Providence Public Schools released the following statement:

"PPSD has learned that an Esek Hopkins Middle School teacher was arrested and charged with second degree child molestation for alleged improper contact with two students who attend the school.

"In December, upon learning of the allegations the principal immediately reported the matter to authorities and District leadership.

"District officials upon being informed promptly placed the individual on administrative leave, pending the outcome of both the PPSD internal Title IX investigation and the criminal proceedings.

"We take these allegations and the safety of our students extremely serious and took swift action to ensure the person in question had no further contact with students.

"Providence Schools will keep the impacted families informed of any further developments."

Teno's bail was set at $20,000 personal recognizance, and he was ordered to stay way from the children.

His next court date was set for May 25.

NBC 10 spoke with parents who said they're troubled by the allegations against this teacher.

"It makes you wonder about sending them to be in someone else's care," said a Rhode Island parent, Brandy Dodrill. "Do we homeschool? Is that the only safe way now?"

NBC 10's Molly Levine contributed to this report.

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