A Milton High School teacher and track coach was arraigned Monday after being accused of inappropriate contact with a female student.
Dale Snyder is accused of inappropriately touching and kissing a student.
“The victim reported the defendant leaned over and attempted to kiss her as she turned her head away, received a kiss on the cheek from the defendant,” said Prosecutor Adam Lally.
Prosecutors said the incident happened after the high school’s graduation. The female student was there to break down chairs when Snyder allegedly asked her to go back to his classroom.
Defense lawyers maintain Snyder’s innocence. They said Snyder suffers from Parkinson’s disease, which could explain any odd behavior.
“There are a couple of medications…they all have indications of this side effect…impulse control,” said defense attorney Thomas Lawton.
A parent told 7News, her son has Mr. Snyder for chemistry and, based on his condition, the school shouldn’t have allowed him to teach this year.
“He should have never been brought back to teach if you fully understand the implications of the disease like that, knowing it’s progressive. And I honestly believe he came back to help the school,” said Deana Martin, a parent.
Snyder has been a teacher in Milton for about 27 years. He was also a track coach. Lawyers said he was weeks away from retiring. He was placed on administrative leave following this incident.
Snyder is expected to make bail.
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