How A Distinguished Concord Teacher Became A Student Rape Suspect

CONCORD, NH — A chance sighting of what appeared to be an inappropriate interaction between a Concord High School teacher and a student led to an unfolding investigation into rape allegations against the distinguished educator dating back at least four years. Concord School District special education teacher Primo "Howie" Leung, 36, of Hayward Brook Drive in Concord, was arrested on April 3, 2019, on a fugitive from justice charge in Concord as well as two aggravated rape of a child charges and an indecent assault and battery charge on a child under 14 in Massachusetts — all felonies. Since that time, investigators in both states have worked to build cases against Leung while Concord school officials deflect criticism about their perceived slow response to the case.

Prosecutors in Massachusetts alleged Leung sexually assaulted at least one student who was 13 and 14 at the time at an English language learner and culture summer program at the prestigious Fessenden School in Newton. The sexual assault victim, now 17, also alleged that Leung fondled and groped her when she was a student at Rundlett Middle School.

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• Part 2: Students Saw Concord Teacher Kiss, Hug Another Student: Docs
• Part 3: Should The Concord School District Have Responded Faster To Case?

A second student Leung is alleged to have been seen with is 18, meaning she is an adult. While she is above the age of consent in New Hampshire (which is 16), in the past, cases have been brought against educators who have been sexually involved with students under the state’s sexual assault statute because teachers hold a position of authority over students.

It is publicly unknown when the relationship with the adult student began or whether more charges will be filed. Police in Concord were still investigating to see if there are other victims and won’t comment on aspects of the investigation.

After the students saw Leung allegedly hugging and kissing the adult student in December 2018, they reported the incident to school officials. An investigation was held by Concord School District, with Leung and the adult student reportedly denying anything inappropriate happened. Leung was put on a professional improvement plan while his union raised criticism about the plan and the school investigation — which also questioned the need for further discipline.

Close to two months after the allegation surfaced, Concord School Superintendent Terri Forsten met with officials at the New Hampshire Department of Education to see if any of the evidence uncovered during the district’s investigation violated the state’s new code of conduct for educators, approved in 2018. After two meetings, an educator misconduct investigation was opened by the education department and Concord police were contacted.

During the course of the investigation by the district, education department and police, alleged felony and misdemeanor criminal offenses— as well as a connection to Massachusetts — were discovered.

All the while, Leung was kept on as a teacher, interacting with numerous students. The day after he learned that he was under investigation, Leung attempted to take his own life and was hospitalized, according to court documents. After his arrest, he was deemed a flight risk due to his dual citizenship, potential access to cash and passport. He was held without bail.

According to the Concord Monitor, Leung is currently being held in isolation at the Middlesex County House of Corrections in Billerica, Massachusetts, unable to raise the $50,000 cash bail.

Leung, according to the education department’s website, is still a certified educator, holding principal, elementary education and general special education endorsements with the state. He has been on paid administrative leave from the Concord School District since March 27, 2019. He has been a teacher in the district since the mid-2000s.

The district is also under fire for not placing Leung on leave sooner and for not working to inform police or the education department earlier in the process. School Board President Jennifer Patterson released a letter earlier this month defending the district’s actions.

Allegations against Leung, though, may never have seen the light of day had it not been for three high school students reporting seeing him allegedly having an inappropriate interaction in a vehicle with another student.

Part 2: Concord students report seeing Leung kissing another high school student.