Norwich Teacher, Coach Charged With Risk Of Injury, Assault

NORWICH, CT — A math teacher and head wrestling coach at Norwich Free Academy was arrested this month following a police investigation into an incident in December.

Police have charged Steve Nelson, 38, with risk of injury to a child and third-degree assault in connection with a Dec. 30, 2025 incident, according to police and state Judicial Branch records.

Police Lt. Kyle Besse said Tuesday the case was investigated by the department’s detective division and led to Nelson’s arrest on April 16.

“No other details are available at this time, due to the arrest warrant being sealed,” Besse said.

Head of School Nathan Quesnel, in a letter dated April 27 to the school community, said Nelson is on administrative leave.

“An alleged incident took place during the winter sports season involving our head wrestling coach and math teacher, Steve Nelson,” the letter states.

According to Quesnel, upon learning of the allegation, the school immediately notified the state Department of Children and Families. It also placed Nelson on administrative leave, and he continues to be on leave currently, the letter states.

Mike O'Farrell, the school’s director of communications, said the letter refers to an incident alleged to have occurred on Dec. 30.

The DCF notification and Nelson being put on leave happened on Dec. 31, according to O’Farrell.

“As this process has evolved, we have cooperated with all investigating authorities,” Quesnel wrote in the letter. “Our focus – and first priority – is always the safety and welfare of our students.”

Quesnel said the school district will not comment further until the situation has been resolved through due process.