ROCHESTER, Mass. (WHDH) — A Rochester elementary school teacher is facing criminal charges after authorities say he had inappropriate, physical contact with multiple female students.
Police responding Thursday to Rochester Memorial School learned of allegations made by students against a sixth-grade teacher. After an investigation, an arrest warrant was obtained for James Sullivan, 35, of Fairhaven, police said.
Sullivan only touched girls in his classroom, according to police. Two of the alleged victims told investigators that Sullivan put them inside a trash barrel and recycle bin against their will. Sullivan is also accused of taking video of the girls as they did gymnastics moves in front of him.
Sullivan turned himself into police on Saturday. He was arrested and charged with one count of assault and battery and one count of indecent assault and battery on a child under 14.
Jacqueline Pittard, whose grandchild attends the school, is shocked by the allegations.
“Not in our town,” Pittard told 7News. “It’s too bad. I’m just surprised. It’s mindboggling in today’s day in age.”
Sullivan was arraigned Monday in Wareham District Court and was released on $10,000 bail. He has been placed on leave by the school.
Statement from Rochester Superintendent Douglas White Jr.:
“On May 3, 2018 a Rochester Memorial School teacher was immediately placed on administrative leave following allegations of inappropriate conduct towards students.
The employee was removed from the classroom immediately after the District learned of the allegations. We have and will continue to cooperate fully with the Rochester Police Department and other state agencies. In addition, the District immediately commenced an internal investigation of the allegations.
We continue to remain committed to our efforts to ensure a safe learning environment, including the physical and emotional well-being of our students and staff. School personnel and resources have been made available to support our students.
Due to the nature of the situation, the Rochester School District is unable to share any other information at this time.”
(Copyright (c) 2026 Sunbeam Television. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)