Former Teacher Accused Of Sexually Assaulting Student: Meriden Police

MERIDEN, CT — A former Maloney High School teacher is accused of sexually assaulting a student while working at the school, according to police.

Ciara Picard, 39, was arrested last week in connection with an investigation that involved a student at Maloney High School, according to Lt. Darrin McKay.

“As soon as the district received word of these allegations, it contacted the Meriden Police Department to investigate the matter involving an inappropriate relationship that occurred several years ago between a former teacher and a graduate of Maloney High School,” McKay wrote in a news release.

Picard resigned from her position in August 2025, according to McKay.

Picard turned herself in on an arrest warrant on Dec. 2 and was charged with five counts of second-degree sexual assault.

“The charges stem from incidents that occurred while Picard was employed as a teacher at Maloney High School and were alleged to have had an inappropriate relationship with a student,” according to McKay.

Picard was released after posting a $25,000 bond with a court date of Dec. 16.

“The safety and well-being of students remain our highest priority,” McKay wrote. “Individuals in positions of trust carry a responsibility to uphold the highest standard of conduct, and any violation of that trust is taken with the utmost importance. The Meriden Police Department remains committed to conducting thorough investigations and taking decisive action to ensure that all students are protected and that our schools remain safe learning environments.

“The Meriden Police Department also acknowledges the courage required for victims to come forward. The victim’s willingness to speak up is vital to accountability and community safety; we remain committed to supporting them throughout the process.”