QUEENS — A female dance teacher was arrested Wednesday for sexually abusing a 13-year-old student at a Saint Albans prep school.
Tyshaunna Roberts, 22, an after-school instructor at Pathways College Prep, touched the girl’s private parts, prosecutors said.
Investigators launched an inquiry after the mother of another female student reported Facebook message exchanges between her daughter and Roberts. The mom said the notes insinuated an inappropriate relationship, according to the Special Commissioner of Investigation.
Roberts, an instructor with the Sports & Arts In Schools Foundation, is charged with committing a criminal sexual act in the second degree, third-degree sexual abuse and endangering the welfare of a child.
The SASF fired her after the complaint was issued.
"The actions of Tyshaunna Roberts are completely disgraceful and unacceptable," Department of Education spokesman David Pena said. "The safety and care of our students is our top priority, and we won't allow anyone who puts them in danger to work in our schools. Roberts is barred from working with the Department of Education."
The SASF said Roberts had been an instructor with the organization since September 2012.
"Ms. Roberts was a dedicated dance instructor who was well-respected by the students who partcipated in her program," the foundation said in a statement issued Thursday night. "She met all of the background and fingerprinting requirements to be employed in the program. The alleged incidents that were reported did not occur in the program or within the school."
Roberts was ordered held on $75,000 bond, or $50,000 cash, at her arraignment Wednesday night. She’s next due in court Nov. 25.
