Teacher Accused of Relationship With Student

A high school teacher from Norwalk is accused of having an inappropriate sexual relationship with a 17-year-old female student and giving her with liquor.

Police say John Tate, 54, of Trumbull, and the student had sexual encounters on and off school grounds and gave the student with alcohol on at least one occasion

Police started investigating on Tuesday when the Norwalk Police Department received an anonymous tip through the police department’s website. Tate was taken into custody on Thursday.

As police investigated, they learned that Tate was also being investigated by the state Department of Children and Families for allegations of inappropriate conduct with students and had been placed on leave pending the outcome of the DFC investigation, police said.

The school released a statement on Friday saying this is an ongoing personnel issue.

"The district understands the seriousness of the charges and is committed to assuring the well-being of all of our students," the statement says.

Tate was charged with second-degree sexual assault and bond was set by the court at $150,000.

Police said the investigation remains open and additional criminal charges could be filed.
 

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