A felony assault case against Kristian Geller, a 46-year-old New York City Department of Education dean, stems from an encounter with a student at a Hell’s Kitchen public high school. The student allegedly suffered a leg injury that required surgery.
According to W42ST, Geller encountered the student at approximately 8:30am inside the school on Tuesday, November 10, and was arrested the same day. The outlet reports that the student allegedly suffered a broken leg requiring surgery as a result of the encounter. W42ST identifies the location as The Beacon School on W44th Street in Hell’s Kitchen.
Charges Filed by the Manhattan DA’s Office
The criminal complaint was filed by the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, according to the same report. Geller faces a felony assault charge in connection with the encounter.
Details beyond the time, location, and charge have not been made public. The underlying criminal complaint has not been made available, and there has been no response from Geller, his attorney, the school, or the Department of Education included in the reporting so far. The student’s age, identity, and current condition have also not been disclosed.
How school incidents are recorded
A New York City Comptroller audit described DOE rules requiring school principals or their designees to enter certain incidents and applicable Discipline Code infraction codes into OORS within 24 hours. That general reporting requirement does not establish whether this allegation was recorded.
What Happens Next
As of now, it remains unclear what specifically led to the encounter between Geller and the student inside the W44th Street building. Hoodline will continue to follow this story as the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office proceeds with the case against Geller.
