Just so sad.... http://timesunion.com/AspStories/st...tegory=FRONTPG&BCCode=HOME&newsdate=5/22/2007 Teacher accused of repeated sex acts with student Rumor concerning relationship led to investigation, charges By BOB GARDINIER, Staff writer Click byline for more stories by writer. First published: Tuesday, May 22, 2007 EAST GREENBUSH -- A social studies teacher at Columbia High School was charged Monday with repeatedly having oral sex in his classroom with a 16-year-old male student during the school day. Late last week a rumor circulated at Columbia High School that social studies teacher Kirk James Hellwig, 37, of Patricia Lane, Saratoga Springs, was allegedly carrying on a sexual relationship during school time with one of his students. "One of our officers who is stationed at the school was approached by two principals about the rumor," said town Police Chief Christopher Lavin. "We then searched some premises, collected evidence, interviewed numerous individuals and reviewed computer activity." Hellwig, who is single and has taught social studies at the school since 1999, was arrested Monday morning on three counts each of felony third-degree criminal sex act and misdemeanor endangering the welfare of a child. He was arraigned in town court Monday and released on $25,000 bail. He is set to reappear in court at 6 p.m. Thursday, unless the case is presented to a grand jury. Lavin said the alleged victim, who told police the relationship was consensual, cooperated in the investigation and is now getting therapy. Hellwig was charged because a 16-year-old is not old enough to consent. Hellwig and the teen allegedly had sexual contact while in the classroom alone. Officials said the relationship may have been going on since January. "It allegedly happened at three times and at three different times of the day," Lavin said. The brazenness of the alleged sexual tryst has shocked and dismayed district officials. "This is disturbing," said school Superintendent Terrance Brewer. "We have suspended Mr. Hellwig from his teaching position and all other district duties pending the outcome of this investigation." Brewer said Hellwig has also been banned from entering any district premises or attending any school functions. Officials said there was no indication Hellwig had sexual contact with other students. A source close to the case said police are further investigating Hellwig's alleged computer e-mail activity with students. In addition to teaching at the school, Hellwig has also coached baseball and wrestling at the school. A woman, who answered the phone at Hellwig's home, declined to comment late Monday and referred calls to attorney E. Stewart Jones. A message asking Jones to call back was left at his home. The Rensselaer County district attorney's office and the State Police Computer Crimes Unit are also involved in the investigation, authorities said. A letter was sent to parents Monday informing them of the news and offered counseling to any student or parent who may request it. The letter is also available on the school's Web site at
There are just too many of these cases. I think this is the first one I have heard of that is male to male. It just sickens me.
That makes me sick!! It may have been"consentual" but a 16 year old is NOT old enough to make that kind of choice. And the teacher, UGH!! SHAME ON HIM, for misusing his authority. He is an adult and HAD to know that this was wrong. This does happen WAY too often! Angela
These things happen all the time. Disgusting! Here in Houston, TX this kind of thing is on the news weekly. I thank God we have the freedom to hs our precious children.
That is Just so twisted and sick, you hear more and more cases about this happening.This has probably gone on more then anyone knows, its just more in the media.
When I was back in Omaha last week my friends were telling me about a teacher who had been carrying on with a young girl for about 3 years. They were going to get married when she was 18. How sweet!:roll:
Well, since they were going to get married eventually, I guess that makes it all OK, right? Can we just line them all up and castrate them all? (OK, I'm joking there...kind of!) (Uh, by "all", I mean the jerks behaving in this way! That is by no means a comment on ALL MEN!!! Just want to be sure I'm not misunderstood!)
I went to school with a girl who was involved with a teacher and they did get married. They are still together, as far as I know. They're married about 24 years now.He taught middle school. Both families involved were fine with them waiting for each other until she graduated. I learned of all this from a mutual friend some years ago. He still teaches, too. Lol- I guess he's one we can't castrate!!
Last night I heard of a female/female situation at on of the high schools in the southern part of the state. It's pretty bad here with the different stories.
That's a great idea except for the fact that the most recent cases have had female teacher as offenders. The sad part is that while the male teachers are getting sentenced as they should, the female teachers are getting off with a slap on the wrist. There is a double standard. Anyone who violates a child in any way should be severely punished regardless of gender.
First of all, I agree absolutely that any woman should be held as accountable as any man. But most of the incidents I've seen are men. I have heard about a woman or two, but those women WERE held accountable. And, unfortunately, there are plenty of teens that falsely accuse teachers of inappropriate behavior just to get even. Carl says that when a young "lady" (and I use that term loosely!) dresses in an immodest manor, he CANNOT say anything about it. Otherwise, it is considered "sexual harrassment". If a girl is showing too much cleavage and he tells her to cover up, the powers that be claim HE'S the one with a problem for being so obsessed with her breasts. The only thing he can do really to protect himself is to NEVER be in a room alone with a girl. He has students coming in during lunch or after school for extra tutoring, and he ALWAYS keeps his door open where anyone who walks by can see in. He will also postition himself so that he is easily seen from the door, not in some corner. Things like that. But even that isn't 100% if some kid decides to accuse him! And the board won't support teachers AT ALL.
I have heard it all being in ps and knowing kids in ps. I have known a teacher to marry a student. I have know of teachers mysteriously missing from work (fired but kept hush hush) due to misconduct with students. I have been hit on my a teacher. I have heard of teachers being falsely accused. It is just a sad sad world we live in. This kind of thing happens everywhere it is just especially hard to stomach when it involves impressionable children. Jackie, you dh is wise to keep his doors open during tutoring. Pretty sad but one adult and one child should not be alone together. Even at church we make sure that there are always at least two adults for anything involving children.
We also have a "Two Leader Rule"', which sometimes I think is taken to the extreme. But I won't complain about those extremes, because I know it's in place to protect both the kids AND the adults. (Example of extreme: We live a good distance from the church. There is another girl, age 19, very responsible, who lives around the corner. This young lady is not allowed to take my daughter with her to Youth Group, because she would be the only "leader" in the car with Rachael. I can drive both girls, but I wouldn't be able to if the young lady was only 17.)
Yea, I can see how that extreme does backfire a bit. Our church is very small...under 200 people...so rules are often bent at times. Not saying that is good either...I mean is sounds fine until someone is accused of something. However, when they feel that there is little risk of that they don't mind. Like I was in the toddler room alone with the co-Pastor's kids. No one minded because I babysit those same kids out of my home alone also at one time. Or when my dd was alone practicing for a play with an adult. I approved it because this was someone close enough to us that she has been alone with this woman before. I think those rules only apply when things are unknown. However, that can backfire also..ya know. You never want to appear be profiling or show favortism. Oh well...such is life in a small church. Can't imagine how we would ever operate if our church grew to great proportions. To tie that in....I am sure that is how it is in schools in small towns. I bet rules are often bent or broken. Familarity can cause people to lower their guard. It is a shame all these rules have to be in place. I would be nice to have that small town trust everywhere and for it to be real....but of course...small towns have their monsters.
I have read about 2 cases of this in the last month and it makes me soooo glad I'm homeschooling, it's almost like I feel justified for making the decision I did even though my mom is totally against me homeschooling for the "usual" reasons.
It is a sad world we live in. They are some very good teachers who would never do anything to a child. These teachers and adults pay the price because of the idiots who do.
