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Second NYC schools employee arrested this week for sex with a minor, police say
By
Brittany Kriegstein
Published Aug 23, 2023
Modified Aug 23, 2023
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By
Brittany Kriegstein
Published Aug 23, 2023
Modified Aug 23, 2023
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A Queens middle school dean was arrested Tuesday and charged with rape, criminal sex act and child endangerment for allegedly having sex with a 14-year-old boy, according to police.
Melissa Rockensies, 33, was taken into custody around 10:30 a.m. at the 112th precinct stationhouse in Queens, according to the NYPD.
She was the dean of leadership and student support at Corona Arts and Sciences Academy, according to the school’s website.
NYPD officials said the teenager may have been a former student at the school, though it’s unclear whether he still attends the same school, or if the alleged abuse happened on campus.
Rockensies is the second Department of Education employee to be arrested and charged with rape this week.
On Monday night, 29-year-old Jamall Russell, a teaching assistant at the Forest Park School, was arrested in connection to the sexual abuse a 14-year-old girl, police said.
“This alleged behavior is extremely concerning and wholly unacceptable," said Department of Education spokesperson Jenna Lyle in an email. "This employee has been reassigned away from the school and students pending the outcome of the arrest and if convicted, we will pursue termination. Nothing is more important than the safety and well-being of our students.”
She had been teaching for more than a decade, according to a post on her Facebook page.
In 2021, she posted a flier about how to help kids navigate consent for bodily touching.
Rockensies’ arraignment is pending in Queens Criminal Court.
This story has been updated with a statement from the education department and a clarification of Jamall Russell's arrest.
Tagged
sexual assault
education
public safety
child endangerment
Brittany Kriegstein
Brittany Kriegstein covers all breaking news around New York City, with a focus on crime and gun violence. Got a tip? Email Brittany at [email protected].
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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