CT middle school teacher faces child endangerment charges for ‘inappropriate’ contact with students

A Manchester middle school teacher was arrested Tuesday on child endangerment charges for allegedly touching several of his students inappropriately.

Floyd Gray, 58, of Hartford turned himself in to police on three counts each risk of injury to a minor and second-degree breach of peace, according to Lt. Nick Reinert of the Manchester Police Department.

In February, police received complaints from three students at Illing Middle School — where Gray works as their teacher — alleging that he touched them inappropriately and made inappropriate comments while in class, according to Reinert. Reinert noted that although the students were not in the same class, the incidents they reported were all similar.

“Upon receiving the complaint, the Manchester Police Department, the Manchester Public Schools Administration, and the Connecticut Department of Children and Families initiated investigations,” Reinert said.

Police investigators later obtained a warrant for Gray’s arrest.

Manchester Superintendent of Schools Matt Geary sent a letter to the school community on Tuesday upon learning of the arrest.

“In February, three students reported their concerns to school administration,” Geary wrote. “The students indicated that the teacher made them uncomfortable with inappropriate comments and by touching/rubbing their shoulders while in class.”

According to Geary, school officials immediately notified police and DCF and placed Gray on leave. He was still on leave as of Tuesday, Geary said.

“We can confirm that we received a report and are jointly investigating this matter with law enforcement,” Peter Yazbak, a spokesperson for DCF, said in a statement Wednesday.

“This is a reminder, that regardless of the alleged perpetrator’s relationship with a child, a reasonable suspicion of child abuse and neglect can be made to the Child Abuse and Neglect Careline by dialing 1-800-842-2288,” Yazbak said. “The Careline is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Callers to the Careline can remain anonymous.”

Gray was released on bond and was expected to be arraigned Wednesday in Hartford Superior Court, Reinert said in a statement.

“Incidents like these are unsettling and staff at Illing and throughout the district are always available to students who have concerns,” Geary wrote.

According to Reinert, the investigation into Gray remains ongoing.

“We urge anyone with additional information, to contact the Manchester Police Department,” he said.