A Port Washington substitute middle school teacher was arrested Friday and charged for allegedly sexually abusing two of his students.
James Servin, 51, of Manhattan was arraigned at the First District Court in Hempstead with two counts of endangering the welfare of a child, forcible touching and second-degree sexual abuse.
Marc Gann, Servin’s attorney, said the allegations are a total fabrication given the circumstances that are alleged, according to Newsday.
“My understanding is that this happened in an open classroom with other students present and another teacher in and out of the classroom.” Gann said.
Police said an investigation started after being contacted by one of the victim’s parents.
The incident occurred at the Carrie Palmer Weber Middle School in late January, according to Police Chief James Salerno.
Servin who has been a substitute teacher at the school district for six years entered a not guilty plea on Friday.
Port Washington Superintendent of Schools Kathleen Mooney said in a statement that the school is fully cooperating with law enforcement authorities.
“Accordingly, as is our policy in situations such as this, our immediate first step was to remove the teacher from the classroom to ensure the safety and well-being of our students. We also notified the Port Washington Police Department so that they could conduct an investigation as rapidly as possible.”
Servin was released on a $5,000 bail and ordered to stay away from the victims, Newsday reported.
He is due back in court next month.
