A Massachusetts elementary school teacher appeared in court Thursday morning to face charges of indecent assault and battery on a child under 14.
Speller has been placed on administrative leave, according to an automated phone call that went out to parents after Speller's arrest.
The robocall said in part,"This incident allegedly involved misconduct by a staff member in our school. We immediately contacted the Boston Police Department and Boston School Police as soon as we learned about it." School officials have spoken directly with the parents of the students who were directly impacted, and they will be providing counseling to any children who are in need of support, according to the phone call from Boston Public Schools.
"Please know the safety of our students is always a top priority of the Boston Public Schools and at the P.J. Kennedy," the phone call went on to say."Please know that we are firmly committed to providing a safe and welcoming climate for all of our students — and we are here to support you and your child."Speller's pastor said the allegations are untrue.
"He is a fine young man, I've known him all his life," the pastor said outside the courthouse Thursday."These are shocking allegations." The court ordered Speller's bail to be $2,500. It's unclear if he was able to post that amount.A judge ordered Speller's bail to be $2,500 after he pleaded not guilty to the charges. It's unclear if he was able to post that amount. Speller was also ordered to stay away from the victims and wear a GPS device.