Trial Continues for Former Redding Parks and Rec Employee Arrested for Fourth Degree Sexual Assault, Risk of Injury

A former Redding Parks and Recreation employee and Berry School first grade teacher continues to undergo investigation for inappropriate contact with minors.

Brian Joseph Stroh, 30, of New Fairfield, was arrested in March of 2015 and he turned himself in to state police in Southbury after an arrest warrant was issued. He was charged with three counts of fourth-degree sexual assault and three counts of risk of injury to a minor.

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.

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.”

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 is due in Danbury Superior Court on July 29, 2015.