Jonathan Elsalam, 27, Bellport High School teacher and assistant football coach, pleads Not Guilty
(Long Island, NY) A history teacher and assistant football coach at Bellport high school stands accused of rape and criminal sex acts after allegedly having a sexual affair with a 16-year-old former student.
 Jonathan Elsalam, 27 |
Jonathan Elsalam, 27, who was suspended from his job last year, entered a plea of Not Guilty to rape and various other charges at his arraignment on Monday.
The unidentified girl’s attorney, Jeffrey Brown, stated to reporters that the affair had gone on for approximately nine months.
“The sexual activity would take place in a car, in motel rooms and even his house. In December of 2011 is when I believe the sexual activity actually took place,” he said. “It ended in or about August of 2012.”
The victim has filed a federal lawsuit against Elsalam and the South CountrySchool District, reportedly in the amount of $10 million. The lawsuit states that both Elsalam and the school district violated the victim’s civil rights, and that she now requires psychological counseling and is unable to attend school.
Elsalam was arraigned on Monday at Suffolk County Court on charges of raping a girl younger than 17 while he was older than 21, criminal sexual acts, and endangering the welfare of a child.
Bail for Elsalam was set at $25,000 bond or $5,000 cash. He is due back in court on May 29.
