Queens public school teacher Daniel Reilly is facing rape, child endangerment and sexual abuse charges for allegedly carrying on an eight month sexual encounter with a 14-year-old student.
The affair between the 6th grade English teacher, who is an ex-Marine and the married father of an 11-month-old baby girl and his former student, was revealed after her sister discovered sexually explicit text messages from Reilly on the students cellphone.
When the message content became known to the rest of the victims family, they went to the IS 237 to meet with school authorities who then notified the Special Commissioner of Investigation.
District Attorney Richard Brown said, ” “This case is particularly disturbing. Schools should be safe havens for children. Instead, this defendant is accused of sexually preying upon one of his former students and rendezvousing with her at his residence.”
The 34-year-old sixth grade English teacher was arraigned on Tuesday before Judge Gia Morris who set bail at $30,000.
According to the charges, Reilly sent his pupil a text informing her that he wanted to have sex with her. After the intial encounter he and the student met continually, at least 10 times at his Forest Hills residence to engage in sexual intercourse.
Reportedly the encounters took place when Reilly’s wife, an attorney was out of their home with their infant daughter.
Schools chancellor Dennis Wolcott said, “This is totally unacceptable, We have no tolerance for that. Keep your hands off our students.”
Following his arrest, Reilly was reassigned to a district office to perform administrative duties. He is scheduled to appear in court on May 6. He could face up to 7 years in prison if convicted.
By Patricia Adams