A Convent of the Sacred Heart math teacher turned himself in to Greenwich Police Monday following an investigation into a report of sexual contact with one of his students in 2009. Michael Maida, 44, of Danbury, is now facing charges of second-degree sexual assault and risk of injury to a minor stemming from the incident.
Maida was able to post his $50,000 bond and will appear in state Superior Court in Stamford on March 18.
The victim, described as having since left Sacred Heart, was under 16 years of age and a student there at the time of the incident.
According to police, warrant for Maida’s arrest had been issued on March 3, the product of several months of investigation.
“We take all allegations of misconduct seriously and are continually focused on upholding a safe and welcoming environment for our students,” school officials said in a statement released Tuesday.
In a letter released to Sacred Heart parents Tuesday, Head of School Pamela Juan Hayes acknowledged police had first informed administrators of the investigation on January 23 and that Maida was subsequently placed on administrative leave. Maida had taught middle school mathematics at the all-girls Catholic school for 17 years.
“We have been cooperating fully with the authorities, who notified us today that Mr. Maida was arrested today in connection with the investigation,” wrote Hayes. “The School is deeply troubled by this shocking allegation but will reserve judgment, as we all must, until the facts are made available through the important legal process now under way.”
Hayes also said that administrators had begun forming a special committee to reassess school policies for protecting students, faculty and staff and announced a meeting with school psychologists for parents Wednesday night.
But despite the allegations, Maida’s lawyer denied the incident, pointing to his record at Sacred Heart
“Mr. Maida has worked at Covenant of the Sacred Heart as a devoted and highly respected teacher with an exemplary record for the past seventeen years,” said attorney Audrey Felsen, who is representing the teacher. “He has earned an outstanding reputation as a dedicated professional among students and parents alike. He is shocked and saddened by the claims against him and unequivocally and emphatically denies the allegations.”