Brooklyn, New York — A Brooklyn teacher has been arrested after prosecutors accused him of forcing a 12-year-old girl into an unwanted hug inside a school and then making a series of inappropriate comments to the student.
Emil Agaronov, 41, was arrested Wednesday in connection with the alleged encounter at Andries Hudde I.S. 240 on Nostrand Avenue near Avenue K in East Midwood. According to a criminal complaint, the incident occurred around 10 a.m. on July 28.
The allegations have prompted an investigation and the New York City Department of Education said the teacher had already been removed from contact with students.
Prosecutors Describe Alleged Encounter
According to the criminal complaint, Agaronov allegedly asked the girl for a hug while inside the school. The student was reportedly reluctant, but prosecutors allege that the teacher hugged her tightly anyway.
The court filing claims the girl felt the teacher’s chest against hers and his belt buckle against her stomach during the alleged encounter.
The complaint further alleges that Agaronov asked the student whether she knew what “Papi” meant.
Prosecutors also accuse him of telling the girl that he liked Latin women, saying he wanted a Latin wife and asking whether she would spend the night with him.
The allegations have not been proven in court.
Teacher Faces Child Welfare Charges
Agaronov was arrested Wednesday night and charged with endangering the welfare of a child and harassment, authorities said.
The charges were not eligible for bail under the applicable rules, and Agaronov was released on his own recognizance following his court appearance Thursday night.
Prosecutors had requested that he be placed under supervised release, according to reports. The case is now moving through the criminal court system as investigators continue examining the allegations.
Department of Education Removes Teacher From Students
The city’s Department of Education said it is taking the allegations seriously.
A department spokesperson said the teacher was immediately reassigned away from students following the allegations. The spokesperson also indicated that if the claims are substantiated, the department would pursue termination.
The action comes as school officials face pressure to ensure students remain protected while allegations involving staff members are investigated.
NYPD Asks Other Potential Victims to Come Forward
The NYPD has also released Agaronov’s photograph and is asking anyone who may have information about him or may have experienced similar conduct to contact investigators.
Authorities are encouraging potential witnesses or victims to contact the NYPD Sex Crimes Hotline or the Crime Stoppers program.
The police outreach suggests investigators are examining whether the alleged incident involving the 12-year-old student could be connected to any other complaints.
For the student’s family and the school community, the allegations have raised serious questions about how adults working around children interact with students and how quickly concerns are addressed.
As the investigation continues, Agaronov remains entitled to due process and the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty in court.
What do you think schools should do to strengthen protections for students when allegations like these are reported? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
