Now Cranston Schools Will Not Comment on Reports High School Psychologist Has Been Placed on Leave

CRANSTON, RI—Cranston High West placed a school psychologist on leave, according to reports on WPRI and WJAR television. But on Monday afternoon, Raymond Votto declined to say anything about the situation, even though he was the source in the other news reports.

"The district can not comment because it is our understanding there is a on going police investigation," he wrote in an e-mail message.

The issue over the psychologist is related to the arrest last week of a science teacher. According to Cranston police, a female student reported she had been sexually assaulted, and the school psychologist was one of the adults she notified. The teacher, Charles Pearson, 58, was charged with 12 counts of second degree sexual assault (inappropriate touching) after three more students came forward.

Related Story: Cranston Teacher Charged with Assaulting Four Female Students

Under state law, the school psychologist was required to report the information from the student, and it's alleged he did not do so. According to the published reports, he may also face police charges.