Valley Stream teaching assistant accused of stalking student
Scott Chung, a 59-year-old teaching assistant, was arrested Oct. 3 and charged with stalking.
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A Valley Stream North High School employee was charged in connection to a stalking incident involving a student, according to the Nassau County District Attorney's Office.
Scott Chung, a 59-year-old teaching assistant, was arrested Oct. 3 and charged with stalking.
Prosecutors say Chung, of New Hyde Park, was arraigned the same day as his arrest and pleaded not guilty.
A temporary order of protection was issued, and he was released on his own recognizance.
Court documents allege Chung approached the 17-year-old student at the library during her free period and asked a "series of alarming questions."
The filing shows that he is accused of asking her questions about her drinking and drug habits, if she had a boyfriend, her schedule, her parents' divorce, her father's schedule and if she sees her mother.
Court documents say Chung also pulled her attendance record and asked about her absences.
The papers say that the girl had numerous encounters with Chung in school, sometimes lasting up to 40 minutes, causing her to feel physically and emotionally uncomfortable when she was near him.
The student also alleged that Chung sought her out regularly throughout the school year, approaching her to talk as often as two or three times a day. In one instance, she claimed he appeared during her gym period and that she saw him watching her.
Court papers say that the incidents have impacted her mental health and that she is now scared he will show up at her job or home.
His next court appearance is scheduled for Oct. 26.
Valley Stream Central High School District Superintendent of Schools Dr. Wayne Loper released the following statement:
"While the District does not comment on individual personnel matters, in situations like this, the District would place an employee alleged to have engaged in such misconduct on paid suspension, remove them from the workplace, and notify law enforcement. After learning of the allegations, the District promptly took steps to protect student safety in this manner.
The alleged behavior violates every standard the District holds for its employees regarding appropriate student-staff interactions and student safety. We continue to provide support to all students and encourage anyone with information to report it to administration. The District will continue to cooperate with law enforcement and our own investigation to determine whether any other students were affected by this staff member's alleged behavior."
