William Arnold, Pequannock Township High School Music Teacher, Accused of Repeated Sexual Assault of Student

Pompton Plains, NJ – A longtime theater and music director at Pequannock Township High School has been charged with multiple sex crimes after police say he assaulted a teenage student repeatedly over the past year. William Arnold, 53, of Wayne, was arrested Monday and now faces charges including first-degree aggravated sexual assault, criminal sexual contact, sexual assault, endangering the welfare of a child, and official misconduct.Investigation Began Earlier This MonthAccording to the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, Arnold came under investigation after allegations of inappropriate behavior surfaced. Investigators determined that the victim was a student of Arnold’s and was 15 and 16 years old at the time of the alleged assaults.
Pequannock Police and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office launched a joint probe earlier this month, leading to Arnold’s suspension from his teaching duties.High School and District Respond to Teacher Accused of Sexually Abusing StudentSchool officials confirmed Arnold had been placed on administrative leave. The district sent a message to families stressing its cooperation with law enforcement and its commitment to student safety.
“Please be assured that we are taking every step possible to protect your children, our staff, and our school community. If needed, our guidance counselors are available to all our students and families,” Superintendent Michael Portas told parents in a letter distributed Tuesday.Recent School Production and Family LifeJust days before his arrest, Arnold had co-directed a student musical production of The Wedding Singer. Social media posts showed him participating in fundraising events alongside current students, alumni, and adults.
Arnold is married and has three children, according to his social media accounts.Investigation Ongoing After Allegations of Student Sexual AbuseAs of Tuesday afternoon, officials said it was not clear whether Arnold had retained a defense attorney. The investigation remains ongoing, and school leaders have not disclosed how long Arnold has been employed in the district, which serves 671 students.Legal Options for Families After Teacher AbuseParents and students across New Jersey are left questioning what protections exist when abuse allegations arise against educators. To address these concerns, experienced New Jersey sexual abuse lawyer Eric Weitz offers a candid discussion on what legal options families can consider when a child has been harmed by a trusted teacher.Laurence Banville, Esq.: Many parents and students are asking what legal options exist for victims when abuse is alleged against a teacher in a high school setting. How do families typically move forward?Eric Weitz, Esq.: Victims in these cases can look to both the criminal and civil justice systems. The criminal process, as we see in this case, is handled by prosecutors. But survivors also have the right to bring a civil lawsuit against the individual and potentially the school district if there was negligence in hiring, supervision, or reporting.Banville: So even while the criminal case is pending, a civil action could be explored?Weitz: Absolutely. The criminal charges aim to punish the offender, but a civil lawsuit can help the survivor seek compensation for damages like therapy costs, emotional distress, and other long-term impacts. Many families are not aware that both tracks can happen simultaneously.Banville: And for families concerned about confidentiality?Weitz: New Jersey courts often have measures to protect victims, especially minors, from additional trauma during proceedings. Counseling resources and victim support services also play a key role in helping survivors through the process.Support for Victims and FamiliesIf you or someone you love has been harmed by a trusted teacher or authority figure, you do not have to face this alone. Our legal team is here to listen, guide, and fight for your rights. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation and take the first step toward protecting your family’s future.Sourcehttps://nj1015.com/pequannock-teacher-accused-rape/