A school principal is charged with sexually abusing at least nine boys in western New York, officials said Thursday.
Kirk Ashton, principal of Northwood Elementary School in Hilton, allegedly abused the boys, who were between 8 and 12 years old, during school hours. The school is about 30 miles northwest of Rochester.
Ashton, 51, is charged with multiple counts of first-degree sexual abuse, second-degree sexual misconduct and threatening a child’s welfare, Monroe District Attorney Sandra Doorley told a news conference Announced Thursday.
The allegations date back to 2017, although authorities are investigating the incidents of Ashton’s 17-year service at the school, lt. Barry Chase, New York police, said Thursday.
“Generally, individuals who are predators prey on children,” Chase said. “Unfortunately, they sometimes get into positions that are powerful, and, you know, they take advantage of the weak and the young. It does happen, and it is very unfortunate that these people get into certain kinds of positions. ”
Doorley did not want to give details of Ashton’s alleged actions, but said he was accused of having sexually assaulted victims several times during the school day until March 26, when state police were notified following a call to state child abuse. hotline.
According to inmates, Ashton was arrested Wednesday night and was detained this morning. He pleaded not guilty to the charges in the Greek city court, and bail was set at $ 500,000 in cash or $ 1 million.
According to the letter he issued to parents on Wednesday night, Ashton was placed on administrative leave on April 8.
“The school district is fully cooperating with the state police,” the district letter read. ‘We are especially important to our students. Our district crisis team has formulated a plan to support students and staff, and counselors are available to students throughout the day. ”
The Associated Press contributed.