Updated to include: Convent of the Sacred Heart Statement Regarding Michael Maida Arrest
On January 23, 2014, the Greenwich Police Department informed the Convent of the Sacred Heart of an investigation they had opened into a reported incident that allegedly took place in the fall of 2009 between a former student and our faculty member Michael Maida. The safety of our students is our highest priority. Following established policy, we immediately contacted the Connecticut Department of Children and Families and placed Mr. Maida on Administrative Leave pending further investigation. Mr. Maida has been a teacher with us for 17 years and has unequivocally denied that the alleged incident, of which we had no prior knowledge, occurred. We take all allegations of misconduct seriously and are continually focused on upholding a safe and welcoming environment for our students. We have been cooperating fully with the authorities and out of respect for all involved and the important legal process under way, we will not be commenting further.
Original Story: Greenwich Police Lieutenant Kraig Gray announced that on March 11, 2014, Michael Maida, 45, of 40 Well Ave in Danbury arrived at the Greenwich Police Dept. to surrender himself on an arrest warrant held by the Greenwich Police.
Stamford Superior Court issued the warrant on March 3, 2014 for Sexual Assault in the Second degree and Risk of Injury to a Minor, both Class B Felonies.
According to the statement from Lieutenant Gray, the arrest warrant was issued as a result of an investigation that stemmed from alleged past inappropriate contact between Maida and a child under the age of sixteen while under his instruction. Maida was providing school instruction to the child in a private school setting within the Town of Greenwich.
Due to Connecticut General Statues regarding confidentiality of sexual assault victims, no further information will be provided at this time, according to Lt. Gray
Maida was released on a $50,000 Surety Bond. He is due in court on March 18, 2014.