Hauppauge HS teacher accused of giving alcohol to 3 students, sexually abusing 1

A Hauppauge High School music teacher and choir director has been charged with endangering the welfare of three of his students and sexually abusing one of them.

Mark Kimes, 53, of Moriches, was arraigned Wednesday afternoon.

Prosecutors say Kimes, who was an Army National Guardsman in Iraq, provided alcohol to the students on two occasions in 2017.

Police say an 18-year-old man came forward and told them that on the second occasion he was drinking at his teacher's home, he eventually passed out and that Kimes sexually abused him. The victim says he was 16 at the time.

Kimes pleaded not guilty to all of the charges.

The school superintendent tells News 12 that Kimes is not allowed on school property.

It is not yet clear how long Kimes has been an employee with the school district or any prior complaints against him.

District Superintendent Dr. Dennis P. O'Hara released a statement that reads:

"When we learned a faculty member had been arrested by the SCPD we immediately reassigned him to remain home and directed him not to appear on district property. Although school is not currently in session, we did not want the individual to be on school grounds while athletes or other students may be present for summer activities. We will closely monitor this matter and continue to cooperate with the police in their investigation. Be assured the health and safety of our students is always our first priority."

He would not say if Kimes' pay has been suspended.

Kimes' attorney declined to answer any of News 12's questions after the arraignment, saying only that "He does have the presumption of innocence."

The National Guard had no comment to the allegations.

Kimes is being held on $50,000 bail.