Former Teacher Charged with Sexual Assault of Student

A former music teacher at Maloney High School in Meriden, Connecticut, has been arrested on charges of sexually assaulting a former student, authorities said. Ciara Picard, 39, turned herself in to police on December 2 and faces five counts of second-degree sexual assault stemming from an alleged inappropriate relationship that began several years ago when the victim was a high school freshman.

The allegations, detailed in an unsealed arrest warrant, describe a pattern of grooming that started when Picard first met the male student, then 13 years old, during his freshman year. According to investigators, Picard initiated frequent and personal text messages with the student after school hours. The communications escalated as he entered his sophomore year, becoming more intimate by the time he turned 16.

Authorities said the relationship turned physical during a trip Picard arranged to New York City for a symphony concert. On that outing, Picard reportedly told the student, "I've always wanted to kiss you," before initiating their first kiss. The warrant outlines further incidents, including Picard sharing explicit photos of herself and sending graphic messages describing her...