A Bronx math teacher is facing severe charges after being indicted for allegedly raping a 13-year-old student multiple times in her home during a five-week period. William Jones, 32, of Queens, who taught at the American Dream Charter School, was arraigned on counts that included second-degree rape, third-degree rape, sexual misconduct, disseminating indecent material to minors, and endangering the welfare of a child, according to the Bronx District Attorney's Office.
The District Attorney, Darcel D. Clark, described the accusations against Jones as "disturbing and predatory conduct," emphasizing the betrayal of trust implicit in a teacher's relationship with their students. "Exploitation of the young and vulnerable will not be tolerated," Clark stated, in remarks obtained by Bronx District Attorney's Office.
Details from the investigation indicate the assaults occurred between April 28 and June 2. Jones was apprehended after the 13-year-old's mother discovered explicit text messages and images on her daughter's phone, which were traced back to Jones by the school's database, according to the same source. The teacher resigned from his position at American Dream Charter School shortly after he became aware of the investigation.
The case has been assigned to Assistant District Attorney Christopher Conway of the Child Abuse/Sex Crimes Bureau. Clark extended her gratitude to those who assisted in the investigation, including Trial Preparation Assistant Jillian Crowley, Senior Advocate Jasmine Jiminian, and Digital Forensics Examiner Katelyn Lam, as well as NYPD Police Officers Amanda Blatt, and Tatiana Torres of the Bronx Special Victims Squad. Jones is due back in court on October 14 and remains out on bail.
