Brooklyn Teacher Sexually Abused Two Students: DA

BROOKLYN, NY — A Brooklyn math teacher is accused of groping the breasts of two students on separate occasions, Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said.

Gary Simon, 59, of Queens, faces a Brooklyn Supreme Court indictment that levels charges of sexual abuse, forcible touching and endangering the welfare of a child.

“The conduct alleged in this indictment marks an incredible betrayal of trust by an educator, and we have no tolerance for this kind of abuse," Gonzalez said. "Our schools must be safe havens for teaching and learning, and we will vigorously seek accountability for this defendant’s allegedly reprehensible actions."

Sometime between Nov. 15 and Dec. 15, a 13-year-old student in Simon's classroom scribbled "you suck" on a paper she handed him while finishing an assignment.

When the student asked Simon why he wrote that he grabbed her and touched her breasts with his hands, authorities said.

In another instance on Dec. 7, a 12-year-old student was taking a test when Simon hugged her and touched her breasts with his hands. When the victim warned him that she was going to report him, Simon allegedly laughed and said, "Make sure you spell my name right," documents state.

The first victim reported the alleged abuse to her counselor, while the second victim reported it to her gym teacher. The allegations were then told to the school principal, who alerted the police, officials said.

Simon was arrested on Dec. 28, following an investigation, authorities said.

He is scheduled to appear in court on April 7, and his bail was set at $15,000 cash or $30,000 bond, documents state.