Trachtenberg
DOVER PLAINS – A Webutuck High School science teacher has was arrested on two counts of forcible touching and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child.
State Police arrested Craig Trachtenberg, on Tuesday, March 28 following two complaints filed with State Police by students at the school.
School Superintendent Ray Castellani said Trachtenberg was placed on administrative leave and reassigned to work from home until the investigation has been concluded.
Trachtenberg’s attorney, Michael Pollok, said his client “adamantly denies the allegations being made against him.”
Pollok said one complainant claims Trachtenberg “hit her buttocks with some papers, which even if that were true, is not a crime under any circumstance.” The attorney said a second complainant claims “that someone loosely grabbed her buttocks (but she did not see who) and admits in her sworn deposition that if Mr. Trachtenberg were gone, her ‘grades would be better’.”
Trachtenberg is in the Dutchess County Jail in lieu of $2,500 cash bail or $5,000 bond.
State Police are continuing their investigation in conjunction with the State Department of Education and additional charges are possible, police said.
