Crime & Safety

Local Teacher Arrested For Sex Abuse of Students

Wilbert Cortez, 49, allegedly victimized two students during 2010-11 school year.

A teacher at a Rego Park school was arrested on Thursday for alleged sexual abuse of young boys in his classroom, District Attorney Richard Brown said.

Wilbert Cortez, 49, a teacher at William Sydney Mount School in Rego Park, was arrested and charged with two counts of sexual conduct against a child and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child.

He could face seven years in prison if convicted.

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The incidents in question allegedly took place between Sept. 7, 2010 and June 30, 2011 at P.S. 174.

Both incidents, according to the criminal complaint, involve Cortez allegedly grabbing and sexually fondling two nine-year-old boys at the school on multiple occasions.

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“These are serious accusations in which a school teacher — who should serve as a role model to students — is instead accused of using his position to gain access to children for his own gratification,” Brown said.  “Schools should be safe havens where students are protected from harm. These are disturbing allegations that, if true, require punishment.”

Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi, D-Forest Hills, said news of the incident was profoundly disturbing.

“As a parent and a resident of our community, I am incredibly disturbed by the allegations that have arisen concerning one teacher at P.S. 174,” Hevesi said.  “All parents must feel comfortable when they drop their children off at school that they will be learning in a safe environment. I am confident that Chancellor Walcott will take immediate action and do everything necessary to make sure this doesn't happen again."

William Sydney Mount School, located on Dieterle Crescent in Rego Park, is a District 28 school, serving more than 600 students in grades K through 6 from Rego Park and Forest Hills.


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