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Substitute Teacher Accused Of Raping 14-Yr-Old Student
By
Jen Chung
Published Feb 8, 2015
Modified Feb 8, 2015
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By
Jen Chung
Published Feb 8, 2015
Modified Feb 8, 2015
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A substitute teacher at a Bronx public school was fired after being arrested for allegedly raping a student, who is described as being mentally disabled or mentally ill.
Maria Contreras, 29, was charged with six counts of rape with a victim under 15 years old and two counts of criminal sex act with a victim under 15. According to NBC New York, "Contreras was a substitute paraprofessional at the Bronx Academy of Letters, a public middle and high school. Paraprofessionals are typically teaching assistants."
The victim is reportedly "a mentally ill 14-year-old boy who is believed to be a student at the academy." WCBS 2 adds, "Contreras raped the teen multiple times at her apartment on Barker Avenue in the Bronx, investigators said. The inappropriate relationship started Nov. 11 and lasted about a week, police said."
The Department of Education released a statement, saying that Contreras was fired, "These allegations are incredibly disturbing. Ms. Contreras has been removed from her position and will no longer be employed by the DOE. We are working with NYPD on their investigation."
While being escorted by the police, Contreras shook her head "no" when asked if the charges were true.
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Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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