A Tabor Academy cafeteria worker has been apprehended and faces charges after allegedly exposing himself to students. The man at the center of the incident, identified as 38-year-old Joao A. Andrade of New Bedford, has been levied with two counts of open and gross lewdness, as reported by WCVB. Arrested following a report by two students who claimed a kitchen worker flashed them at Tabor Academy's dining area, there is significant concern across the school community.
According to Boston 25 News, Andrade's arrest came promptly after police swiftly responded to the call from the school just before noon yesterday. Tabor Academy, a private institution renowned for its academic rigor and community's serenity, now finds itself uneasily to grapple with the implications of the event and the trust placed in their contracted food service provider, Flik Independent School Dining.
Reacting to the incident, the school expressed their gratitude towards law enforcement for their quick actions, as highlighted in an official statement declaring Andrade to be legally barred from Tabor Academy’s premises. “We are grateful to the students who reported this behavior and commend them for their courage in coming forward," said a Tabor Academy spokesperson, as quoted by WCVB. "The safety, well-being, and dignity of our students are always our highest priorities."
As part of the investigation, language translation assistance was rendered by the Mattapoisett and New Bedford Police Departments, signifying the collaborative efforts by local authorities to ensure a thorough processing of the case. Chief Richard Nighelli of the Marion Police Department praised his team's expert handling of the situation. "We appreciate Tabor Academy's prompt reporting and cooperation following this incident,” Nighelli said, in a statement obtained by Boston 25 News. “I would like to thank the Marion Police officers who used their extensive training and expertise to investigate quickly and bring this case to conclusion."
