Crime & Safety

Bethel Teacher Accused of Sex Assault Begins Pre-Trial Hearing

Brian Stroh, the Berry School teacher alleged to have inappropriately touched three young boys, was in court July 29, 2015.

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The pre-trial hearing for the Bethel teacher accused of sexually assaulting three boys began today in Danbury Superior Court the News Times reports.

Brian Stroh, 30, of New Fairfield, is a former first grade teacher at Berry Elementary School. He was arrested on March 9, 2015.

According to State Police, Stroh allegedly had inappropriate contact with three children aged 6, 9 and 11. Stroh was placed on administrative leave on Feb. 19, 2015 after school officials learned that he was under investigation by the police, as well as the Department of Children and Families.

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The charges he currently faces are as follows:

  • (2) counts of SEXUAL ASSAULT 4TH DEG, a Class A misdemeanor, for an incident on 2/15/15
  • (2) counts of RISK OF INJURY TO CHILD, a Class C felony, for an incident on 2/15/15
  • (2) counts of ILL SEXUAL CONTACT-VCTM, a Class B felony, for an incident on 2/15/15
  • SEXUAL ASSAULT 4TH DEG, a Class A misdemeanor, for an incident on 5/1/09
  • RISK OF INJURY TO CHILD, a Class C felony, for an incident on 5/1/09
  • ILL SEXUAL CONTACT-VCTM, a Class B felony, for an incident on 5/1/09

According to the News Times, shortly after being arrested, Stroh attempted suicide by swallowing “large doses of Tylenol and Motrin and drank diesel fuel.” Bedford, N.Y. police said he then “intentionally crashed his car against a guardrail and a tree in a commuter parking lot in nearby Katonah.”

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Dr. Christine Carver, Superintendent of Bethel Public Schools, said in a letter sent to parents in March, “While Mr. Stroh’s employment with the Bethel Public Schools has ended, the District will continue to cooperate with DCF and law enforcement officials.”

Stroh also was a former teacher at Redding Parks and Recreation.

Related:

Click here to read more on the News Times.

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