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Brien McMahon High School teacher John Tate, 54, of Trumbull, pleaded not guilty this morning in Stamford State Superior Court on charges of second-degree sexual assault. Tate is accused of engaging in an inappropriate relationship with a 17-year-old female student.
According to state prosecutor Richard Colangelo, Tate appeared in court with his attorney, Mark Sherman. Tate posted $150,000 bond on April 30, according to the Clerk's Office. The next pre-trial court date is set for May 28.
According to the Norwalk police, Tate engaged in sexual relations with the student on and off of school grounds. Police also allege that Tate provided the student with alcoholic beverages on at least one occasion.
Police said they received an anonymous tip on April 27 alleging that Tate was allegedly engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a student. The investigation was turned over to the Norwalk Police Department Youth Bureau. Its investigation discovered that Tate was already under investigation by the Department of Children and Families. The school had placed Tate on leave prior to the police involvement. Tate was taken into custody on April 29. Several items were confiscated under a search and seizure warrant according to police.
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