Highland Middle School teacher accused of watching porn in class

A veteran music teacher has resigned and is now banned from the school after he reportedly watched porn while in class.

News 12 Staff

May 14, 2019, 9:11 PM

Updated 1,900 days ago

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A veteran music teacher has resigned and is now banned from the school after he reportedly watched porn while in class.
The school would not confirm the accusations or the identity of the teacher, but parents say it was sixth-grade teacher Jeffrey DeMaio.
The parents say students, some as young as 12 years old, alerted the principal of Highland Middle School in Ulster County that they heard "moaning sounds" coming from earbuds connected to a computer DeMaio was listening to while teaching students.
News 12 tried to reach DeMaio at his house in Redhook for comment, but he said nothing and slammed the door in reporter Blaise Gomez's face.
DeMaio, who is also a jazz musician, was a teacher in the district for 25 years.
DeMaio has been banned from entering the school and could have his teaching license revoked by the state.
District officials say, despite the allegations, he is eligible to collect retirement benefits.
School officials say the teacher is not accused of any legal wrongdoing.
News 12's calls to the Lloyd Police Department have not yet been returned.
 


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