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 3,718 days ago

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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.


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