Long Island teacher arrested for allegedly stalking former student who accused him of sexual abuse

A former Long Island art teacher accused of sexually abusing one of his students has been arrested after allegedly stalking the young woman, according to Suffolk County police.

John Kennedy, 53, was taken into custody at his home in St. James after the former student, now 18, reportedly called 911 when she saw him following her after she left her home and traveled to an undisclosed location in Selden.

Police said Kennedy had allegedly driven past the young woman’s home several times in the same month and followed her on her way to college, despite being told to leave her alone because his actions were causing her fear for her health and physical safety.

The arrest comes about a week after the young woman filed a lawsuit against the Bay Shore school district, accusing administrators of failing to protect her from what the lawsuit describes as a “serial sexual predator.” The lawsuit alleges that Kennedy repeatedly sexually abused her in his classroom while she was a student.

Kennedy had previously been suspended after allegations emerged that he had engaged in a sexual relationship with the student, who was 17 and a senior at the school at the time. Many former and current students had described Kennedy as a favorite teacher.

The student was above New York’s age of consent at the time of the alleged sexual relationship, and an initial Suffolk County police investigation was closed after authorities said they found no evidence of criminal conduct. However, the student’s attorney, Andrew Silversheinn, argues that Kennedy held a position of authority over her and that the relationship was inherently exploitative regardless of the age of consent.

The lawsuit also alleges that the school district failed to respond to warning signs and had an obligation to protect the student from sexual harassment by the teacher.

Bay Shore Superintendent Steven Maloney said the district acted quickly once it learned of the allegations, suspending Kennedy, barring him from campus and notifying Suffolk County police.

Kennedy pleaded not guilty to fourth-degree stalking, a misdemeanor. A temporary order of protection was issued in favor of the alleged victim, and Kennedy is scheduled to return to court on September 16.