A New York City Department of Education teacher was arrested for hugging a 12-year-old student and asking her if she wanted him to be her “papi,” court documents show.
The victim told police she could feel 41-year-old Emil Agaronov’s chest on her breast and his belt buckle on her stomach when she says he hugged her at I.S. 240 on Nostrand Ave. near Avenue K in Midwood on July 28 around 10 a.m., according to a criminal complaint.
The teacher then told the girl he wanted a Latin wife and asked if she would spend the night with him, the complaint reads.
A DOE spokesperson called the allegations “heinous” and said Agaronov has been reassigned to a post away from students as the investigation continues. The department will move to terminate him if the claims are substantiated, the spokesperson said.
I.S. 240 on Nostrand Ave. near Ave. K in Midwood, Brooklyn. (Google)
Agaronov was charged with endangering the welfare of a child and harassment. He was released without bail after pleading not guilty at his arraignment in Brooklyn Criminal Court Thursday.
He made more than $98,000 working as a special education teacher for the city last year, according to See Through NY.
The NYPD released a photo of Agaronov, who lives in Brooklyn in Gravesend, and is asking other potential victims to come forward.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS. All calls will be kept confidential.