Elementary Teacher Charged With Indecent Assault Of Student

ROSS TOWNSHIP, PA - Criminal charges have been filed against a North Hills School District elementary school teacher after a student reported inappropriate behavior by him during a gym class activity.

Highcliff Elementary School teacher Nathan Buttenfield, 41, of Gibsonia, has been charged with indecent assault, institutional sexual assault, unlawful contact with a minor, endangering the welfare of a child and corrupting the morals of a minor. He was arraigned Tuesday before District Judge Richard Opiela, according to Ross police.

North Hills superintendent Patrick Mannarino said in a communique to district families. Buttenfield has been on leave since Nov. 7, the first school day for students after the alleged behavior toward the female student occurred on Nov. 2.

Buttenfield had been under investigation by Ross police and the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office.

“I am deeply disheartened by this incident,” Mannarino said. “Day in and day out, our top priority remains the safety and security of each and every student. We undertake this responsibility with utmost seriousness and work diligently, alongside our law enforcement partners, to ensure the most welcoming and protective environment for all of our students.”

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