Teacher suspended amid allegations of sexual wrongdoing
MALDEN, Mass. -- A teacher at a local Catholic school has been suspended from his job pending an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct against several of his students.
John Stanasek, a seventh-grade teacher and basketball coach at Cheverus Centennial School in Malden, was placed on leave after several students came forward accusing him of sexual misconduct. The District Attorney's office would not comment on the exact nature of the allegations against him.
According to a spokesperson for the Archdiocese, the allegations of sexual misconduct are brought by an undisclosed number of former students at Cheverus Centennial School.
"The school has expressed its commitment to continue to aid in the investigation and to do everything possible to support the school community during this difficult period," Susan Degnan, Principal at Cheverus Centennial School, said.
A letter has been sent home to parents informing them of the situation.
"Every time I met him he seemed very nice… very professional. (It) never occurred to me that anything like that would happen to any of the children," Jackie Vole, parent, said.
Stanasek's father says that the accusations are false.
"They can back him. My son is innocent. There was nothing that happened. And that's all we have to say," Stanasek's father said.
Stanasek refused to comment on the incident.
The school and the Archdiocese are working with the District Attorney and the Department of Social Services in the investigation.
Counselors are expected to be at the school to assist students and faculty on Monday.
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