Former Daniel Hand Teacher Pleads Guilty to Charges Related in Sexual Misconduct Case: Report

MADISON, CT — Former Daniel Hand High School English Teacher Allison J. Marchese, 39, pleaded guilty to criminal charges Monday in connection to allegations that she was involved in an inappropriate electronic relationship with a then 15-year-old and engaged in a sex act with a 17-year-old in a classroom.

Marchese, who was originally charged with second-degree sexual assault and risk of injury in 2015, pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree unlawful restraint, two counts of second-degree reckless endangerment, one count of second-degree harassment and one count of second-degree threatening, the Hartford Courant reports.

She will be sentenced March 3 and she pleaded in a way that she didn't admit guilt but acknowledged that there was likely enough evidence for conviction if a trial were held, the Courant reports.

She may end up serving three years in prison, the New Haven Register reports. The sentencing agreement also requires Marchese to be listed on the sexual offender registry for 10 years, and she would be under probation for five years.

Marchese was fired by school officials in 2015. The allegations first surfaced in January 2015.

The town of Madison has been sued by one alleged victim in the case. The suit alleges negligence on the town's part to stop the inappropriate relationship "despite actual or constructive notice of inappropriate and unusual behavior on the part of Marchese around minor males," the Hartford Courant previously reported.

Marchese is alleged to have sent winking and smiling emoticons to male students and posted a picture of herself wearing just a thong, with her breast covered, and her midriff exposed.

Background on the case against Marchese:

According to court documents, Marchese developed an ‘electronic relationship’ with a 15-year-old student during the 2013-14 school year. She allegedly told the boy that he was so good looking that she couldn’t concentrate during class or sleep at night, NBC Connecticut previously reported.

The boy told her to stop and she allegedly told him she was broken-hearted. Marchese then allegedly focused on a 17-year-old and sent him inappropriate messages on Instagram, and allegedly performed oral sex on the student in a classroom, the arrest warrant alleges.

The 17-year-old asked her for $200 to keep his silence and Marchese allegedly stated she had friends in the mafia who could ensure he never plays football again, NBC Connecticut reports. Read the full NBC Connecticut story here.

Madison school officials reaction to the criminal case back in January 2015:

“Allegations of sexual misconduct against a minor student were reported immediately to the Madison Police Department and the Department of Children and Families on January 7th by my office after a student report was made to the high school principal earlier that day,” said Thomas Scarice, Madison schools superintendent back in 2015.“The police department investigated this matter and has now made an arrest.”

In the 2015 statement, Scarice said, “I find the alleged conduct of this teacher vile and disgusting. The bond of trust between a professional educator and a student is fragile and precious. The violation of this bond is nothing less than reprehensible. The district will take the most aggressive actions possible to see to it that any individual who abuses this bond is removed from the profession and brought to justice,” Scarice said.

Related Stories:

• Hand High School in the Spotlight Over Sex Assault Probe
• Update: Teacher Accused of Sexually Assaulting a Madison Student
• Madison School Board Comments on ‘Disturbing’ Sexual Assault Allegations

“Should Ms. Marchese be found to have engaged in sexual conduct with a student, she should face the full force of the law. Such acts abuse students, traumatize the school communities, and leave a black mark on the entire teaching profession. Such conduct is unspeakable,” Scarice said.

“The district will continue to work to ensure the safety and well-being of all of our students. Now that an arrest has been made, the high school administration has put a plan in place to appropriately communicate this matter to students and staff, while also providing any necessary information and support services to students as they cope with this incident,” Scarice added back in the 2015 statement.

Read the full Hartford Courant story here.

Read the full New Haven Register story here.

Patch file photo