05/13/2010 // West Palm Beach, FL , USA // Tara Monks // Tara Monks
Yonkers, NY – A computer teacher at a Yonkers high school was arrested Tuesday, May 11, 2010, after a months-long investigation into allegations of changing students’ grades and sexual contact with several students, as reported by LoHud.com.
Dean M. Martin, 42, was arraigned in City Court on six felony counts of second-degree forgery for allegedly using the public school district computer system to change students’ records between October 1 and January 31. It is believed that Martin gave students at Saunders Trades and Technical High School grades they did not earn.
Detectives are trying to find the motive for Martin’s actions, according to Detective Lt. Timothy Hodges, head of the Detective Division Major Case Unit. The Child Abuse Investigation Team is conducting an investigation.
The details of the alleged sexual contact have not been specified.
Martin’s cash bail was set at $15,000 on Tuesday. The judge overseeing the case also issued a temporary order of protection barring Martin from contact with the students who are believed to be involved with the case.
Martin has been a teacher for 15 years.
According to a spokesman at the school, an investigation into Martin’s grade changing began several months ago. When the investigation started, Martin was placed on administrative duties, away from students. From there, school officials contacted Yonkers police.
Several parents and students stand by Martin, stating they are shocked by the charges.
Donna Nolan, 45, a mother of a student at the school, told reporters, “It is not true at all,” and expressed her distaste for the situation as, ”This is a man’s reputation here.”
He is described as a hard working and popular teacher by students and parents alike.
Martin is scheduled for a second hearing on Monday, May 17.
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