NEW BRITAIN, Conn — A former teacher in Plymouth has pleaded guilty to charges in connection to his conduct with several young students, it was announced on Friday.
James Eschert, 52, pled guilty to risk of injury to a child, a felony. His next court date is scheduled for January 9, 2024.
Police began investigating Eschert, a former teacher at Plymouth Center School, in September 2021 after receiving a complaint that alleged inappropriate conduct between Eschert and several of his students.
According to police documents at the time of his arrest, the incidents of inappropriate conduct allegedly occurred over multiple school years starting as early as the 2016-2017 school year.
Police said they spent countless hours conducting interviews, reviewing statements and preparing court paperwork.
According to court documents at the time of his arrest, the victims told investigators that Eschert favored some female fourth-grade students, helping them with answers to quizzes, hugging them and inviting them to stay inside for recess for "Fun Friday." The students told investigators that touched them and took inappropriate photos.
Eschert was placed on administrative leave with pay in September 2021 when the superintendent was made aware of the allegations, the court documents said.
Doug Stewart is a Senior Digital Content Producer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at dstewart@fox61.com.
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