Former Infinity Institute Teacher, Apparao Sunkara, Found Guilty of Assaulting 12 Year Old Student

Jersey City, NJ – A Hudson County jury has convicted a New Jersey teacher of assaulting a 12-year-old student while he was employed at Jersey City’s Infinity Institute. Apparao Sunkara, 72, of Hicksville, New York, was found guilty on Monday of second-degree sexual assault by contact, endangering the welfare of a child, and official misconduct, according to the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office.Former Infinity Institute Teacher Found Guilty of Sexual AssaultProsecutors said the incidents occurred between September 2019 and January 2020, when Sunkara allegedly engaged in sexual acts with a female student. His arrest followed an investigation that began in March 2021, leading to charges not only in this case but also involving two other students. The status of those additional charges remains unclear.School District Response Pending After Teacher Convicted of Child Sex CrimesJersey City Public Schools did not immediately provide comment Monday afternoon following the verdict. Sunkara had been employed at the Infinity Institute, a selective public school within the district, at the time the allegations surfaced.Verdict Highlights Serious Misconduct Spanning YearsThe conviction underscores one of the most serious cases brought against an educator in the region in recent years. While sentencing details have not yet been released, the guilty verdict delivers a significant outcome in a case that has remained under public scrutiny since 2021.NJ Lawyer Eric Weitz on Legal Options for Families After Teacher AbuseWhen a teacher is found guilty of abusing a student, families are often left with painful questions and difficult decisions. In this interview, New Jersey lawyer Eric Weitz discusses the powerful legal tools available to hold both offenders and schools accountable while helping victims and their families secure justice, support, and compensation.Laurence Banville, Esq.: When a teacher is convicted in such a case, what legal paths might victims and their families consider?Eric Weitz, Esq.: Victims have the right to pursue civil action against both the individual offender and institutions that may have failed to protect them. In cases involving schools, there can be liability if administrators ignored warning signs or failed to act on complaints.Banville: Beyond holding the offender accountable, what does a civil lawsuit provide a victim?Weitz: Civil claims are about securing compensation for harm, such as emotional trauma, therapy costs, or long-term impact on a victim’s life. These cases also encourage stronger safeguards in schools moving forward, which can protect other students.Banville: Do victims need to act quickly after a verdict like this?Weitz: Yes, time limits known as statutes of limitation apply. New Jersey has extended protections for victims, giving them more opportunity to file claims, but it’s important to speak with a lawyer promptly to understand how those rules apply in each case.Protecting Families and Their Rights Following Sexual Abuse By a TeacherIf you or a loved one has been harmed by a trusted teacher or school employee, you do not have to face the path forward alone. Our dedicated legal team is here to provide guidance and support every step of the way. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more about your options and how we can fight for accountability on your behalf.Sourcehttps://www.nj.com/hudson/2025/09/nj-teacher-found-guilty-in-sexual-assault-of-12-year-old-student.html