NY Teacher Accused of Sex Assault of Girl, 14

(Albany, New York) A 38-year-old special education teacher at Thomas O'Brien Academy of Science and Technology,
Wendy Daignault, has been accused of inappropriately touching a 14-year-old girl in July 2009.

Daignault has been charged with third-degree sexual abuse and endangering the welfare of child.

Captain Curtis Cox said the investigation began after the girl's parents notified police.

Daignault, of Vaughn Drive in Guilderland, has worked at the school district since September 1998, but Cox said the child was not a student of Daignault's. He said he did not believe the incident was at all related to her work at the school -- a point stressed by the district.

"We have been assured by the police investigating that none of the allegations against her in any way involve her professional life at school or any of her students," said Ron Lesko, a spokesman for the City School District of Albany.

A court appearance is scheduled for next week.