(Long Island, NY) Suffolk County District Attorney Thomas Spota has announced the trial of a former Bellport High School teacher charged with having a sexual relationship with a then-16 year old student begins Monday February 10, 2014 in criminal court in Riverhead.
Jonathan Elsalam, 28, who is free on bail, was removed from his classroom and coaching duties in October of 2012 by the South Country Central School District.
The crimes cited in the seven count indictment allege Jonathan Elsalam, 28, had sexual relations with a teenage female between December 2011 and May 8, 2012.
“The defendant is charged with two felony counts of rape in the third degree, four felony charges of criminal sexual act in the third degree and one count of endangering the welfare of a minor, a misdemeanor,” DA Spota said.
Elsalam, who is free on bail, was removed from his classroom and coaching duties in October of 2012 by the South Country Central School District.
The trial will commence on Monday at 10:30 A.M., Judge Barbara Kahn (second floor of the courthouse) will preside.
Every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt following a trial at which the defendant has all of the trial rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and federal law.
