BRIDGEPORT, CT — Christopher Verras, an elementary school teacher at Bridgeport's Thomas Hooker School, was arrested on multiple sexual assault charges this week in connection with the alleged sexual assault of a school paraprofessional, the Connecticut Post reported.
The case, which was reportedly opened by Bridgeport police in May, alleges that Verras sexually assaulted the paraprofessional on more than one occasion, and that a student with special needs was present.
News 12 Connecticut reported that Verras also allegedly sent explicit photos to the 19-year-old victim, and reached out to her numerous times through Snapchat and text messages, even though she had not given him her contact information.
Verras, who also ran unsuccessfully for state representative in 2024, was reportedly arrested on Monday on the following felony charges:
He was released after posting bond on bail of $150,000, and he is scheduled to appear in Bridgeport Superior Court on July 16.
Patch reached out to Bridgeport police for comment, but the department referred requests for information to Bridgeport Public Schools.
Whether Verras is still with the district is not clear; a district spokesperson did not immediately respond to a message seeking information.
Additionally, attorney Ed Gavin, who is listed in court records as representing Verras, also did not immediately reply to a message seeking comment.
Read the Connecticut Post story; read the News 12 Connecticut story.
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