A teacher from New York City who has been accused of performing oral sex on one of her 14-year-old male students entered a plea of not guilty to the criminal charges at a hearing on Saturday.
29-year-old Dori Myers has been employed as a social studies teacher at the New School for Leadership and the Arts in the Bronx since 2014. She also started a track team for the students of the school. Myers is the wife of a deputy sheriff, and they share a home in Rockland County.
On November 1, Myers was accused of sexually abusing one of her male students at a location off campus in Manhattan. According to reports, the teenager told one of his classmates that he had a sexual encounter where Myers administered oral sex, and the classmate informed the school principal of what he had been told.
The authorities were contacted and Myers was taken into custody on Friday. She was charged with criminal sexual act in the second degree and endangering the welfare of a child.
Myers pleaded not guilty and denies all allegations. The prosecution asked that the judge grant $500,000 bail due to the belief that Myers abused her position of power when committing the alleged acts of abuse, but the judge ultimately ruled for Myers’ release on her own recognizance and issued a 30 day protection order stating that she is not to have any contact with the victim.
The Department of Education stated that they find the allegations deeply troubling, and they disclosed that Myers has never had any disciplinary issues during her employment. She was not released from her job, but she was given a position where she works without contact with students.
Andrew Stoll, Myers’ defense attorney, said his client has a reputation for being an outstanding educator. He stated his concerns that “a single accusation can destroy your career.”
If you or someone you love is suspected of child abuse, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.