Teacher Faces Additional Charges For Alleged Sexual Abuse: DA

HAUPPAUGE, NY - A Hauppauge High School choir teacher was indicted on Friday for allegedly sexually abusing a teenage boy at the his home in Moriches in 2017, according to Suffolk County District Attorney Timothy D. Sini.

Mark Kimes, 53, is charged with two counts of first degree criminal sexual act, first degree sexual abuse, two counts of third degree criminal sexual act, two counts of endangering the welfare of a child and three counts of first degree unlawfully dealing with a child, the DA said.

He is accused of sexually abusing a then-16-year-old student in September 2017 while at Kimes’ home in Moriches, the DA said.

The student, now 18 years old, reported the alleged abuse to Suffolk County Police Seventh Squad detectives, who arrested Kimes on August 13, the DA said.

Kimes also allegedly provided alcoholic beverages to the victim and two other minors and let the victim smoke marijuana in his home, according to the DA.

He was arraigned on the indictment by Suffolk County Court Judge Karen M. Wilutis. Bond was transferred in the amount of $100,000, which Kimes previously posted.

He is due back in court on Sept. 25. If convicted of the top count, Kimes faces a maximum sentence of up to 25 years in prison.

"It can be extremely difficult for victims of abuse to come forward to law enforcement, particularly when the alleged abuser is someone in a position of authority, such as a teacher," Sini said. "We want to let victims know that they are not alone; we are here for you. We will seek justice for this victim as we do in each and every case."

Any additional victims or witnesses are asked to call the Seventh Squad at 631-852-8752 or anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS.