Jurors hear second day of testimony in sex abuse trial of former Bellport High School teacher Jonathan Elsalam

Jurors in Riverhead heard testimony for a second day Tuesday in the case of a former teacher accused of having sex with one of his students. The alleged victim took the stand again in the trial of

News 12 Staff

Feb 19, 2014, 4:31 AM

Updated 3,728 days ago

Share:

Jurors hear second day of testimony in sex abuse trial of former Bellport High School teacher Jonathan Elsalam
Jurors in Riverhead heard testimony for a second day Tuesday in the case of a former teacher accused of having sex with one of his students.
The alleged victim took the stand again in the trial of Jonathan Elsalam. Prosecutors say Elsalam, a former teacher at Bellport High School, had a sexual relationship with the student in 2011 when she was 16 years old. 
The alleged victim said the relationship began during extra-help sessions, which progressed to having sex in Elsalam's car and in a Riverhead motel.
However, defense attorney David Besso questioned the timing and details of the testimony during cross-examination.
Prosecutors say the girl was underage at the time of their relationship, which they say included sex three or four times a week over the course of one year.
The alleged victim's family is suing the South Country School District for $10 million in a separate federal civil suit. They claim the school knew of the relationship, but did nothing. 
Besso says he's not sure if his client will take the stand.
Elsalam could face up to eight years in prison if found guilty on the rape and endangering the welfare of a child charges.


More from News 12
0:38
Teen accused of driving stolen car while high, causing fatal crash in Centereach

Teen accused of driving stolen car while high, causing fatal crash in Centereach

2:09
Steady rain, chilly Sunday on Long Island; warmer start to workweek

Steady rain, chilly Sunday on Long Island; warmer start to workweek

0:27
Nassau police: 6 injured in shooting at Westbury home

Nassau police: 6 injured in shooting at Westbury home

0:21
State police: 32-year-old man killed in Wantagh Parkway crash

State police: 32-year-old man killed in Wantagh Parkway crash

0:45
Fire breaks out at Plainview storage facility

Fire breaks out at Plainview storage facility

1:50
‘No one is helping.’ Freeport tenants say complaints about fire alarm are falling on deaf ears

‘No one is helping.’ Freeport tenants say complaints about fire alarm are falling on deaf ears

0:46
Teachers participate at 15th annual 'GC for a Cure' 5K Run and Walk in memory of late educator

Teachers participate at 15th annual 'GC for a Cure' 5K Run and Walk in memory of late educator

0:53
Prosecutors: Queens man stole used cooking oil from 16 restaurants

Prosecutors: Queens man stole used cooking oil from 16 restaurants

0:28
Sag Harbor teen charged with DWI following crash into tree

Sag Harbor teen charged with DWI following crash into tree

2:15
Meeting held over next steps for cleanup at Bethpage Community Park

Meeting held over next steps for cleanup at Bethpage Community Park

1:32
Knowing the early warning signs during Stroke Awareness Month

Knowing the early warning signs during Stroke Awareness Month

0:38
Sam Ash Music announces closure of all store locations

Sam Ash Music announces closure of all store locations

1:39
Runners are lacing up for the Long Island Marathon Sunday. Click here to see which roads will close to traffic

Runners are lacing up for the Long Island Marathon Sunday. Click here to see which roads will close to traffic

1:58
Kids get up-close-and personal tour of Suffolk police headquarters during Police Week

Kids get up-close-and personal tour of Suffolk police headquarters during Police Week

2:15
EXCLUSIVE: Gov. Hochul talks retail theft, bail reform during visit to Lindenhurst

EXCLUSIVE: Gov. Hochul talks retail theft, bail reform during visit to Lindenhurst

1:56
JAC Shack gives BOCES students chance to work at restaurant

JAC Shack gives BOCES students chance to work at restaurant

2:39
Deer Park man heads to Washington DC to raise awareness about Alzheimer's disease

Deer Park man heads to Washington DC to raise awareness about Alzheimer's disease

0:20
Police: 13-year-old robbed at knifepoint on soccer field of Turtle Hook Middle School

Police: 13-year-old robbed at knifepoint on soccer field of Turtle Hook Middle School

0:25
Garbage truck driver indicted for 2023 fatal crash in Hauppauge

Garbage truck driver indicted for 2023 fatal crash in Hauppauge

10 organizations to donate to in support of the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities

10 organizations to donate to in support of the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities