A teacher from Somerville stands accused of sexually assaulting a 13-year-old student. This arrest came to light following concerning digital interactions observed by the student’s mother.
District Attorney’s Reaction:
Middlesex District Attorney Marian T. Ryan expressed her shock, stating, “The notion of a teacher exploiting their influential role to manipulate a vulnerable young student is deeply troubling.”
Charges and Arraignment:
41-year-old Alexandra Romanos from Stoneham, who instructs fifth graders at East Somerville Community School, was arraigned in Somerville District Court. A bail amount of $50,000 was set. Romanos entered a plea of not guilty for two charges of severe child rape and three charges of indecent behavior towards a child below 14 years of age.
Unraveling the Details:
According to DA Ryan, the young student’s mother alerted the authorities towards the end of June upon discovering inappropriate conversations during a routine check of her child’s online interactions. Further investigations revealed that Romanos, a seven-year veteran at the Cross Street educational institution, allegedly started an illicit relationship with the youngster around March, encompassing incidents both inside and outside the school setting.
Importance of Parental Supervision:
Emphasizing the importance of parental supervision, DA Ryan remarked, “We consistently urge parents to oversee their children’s online interactions. This case exemplifies precisely why that’s crucial.” She further added, “The fundamental trust between educators and parents is pivotal. Our hope is always that educators maintain the sanctity of this trust.”
Previous Incidents and School’s Response:
This incident, unfortunately, follows a separate case three months prior when Josh Wairi, a 27-year-old ex-teacher from Somerville, was apprehended on charges related to child exploitation. Somerville’s Superintendent, Tony Pierantozzi, confirmed that Romanos was temporarily relieved of her duties and emphasized the rigorousness of their recruitment procedures. “Every individual we hire undergoes a thorough examination, encompassing comprehensive criminal history and in-depth reference assessments,” he assured.
Upcoming Court Date:
The next court appearance for Romanos is slated for July 29, where a pretrial session will take place.
