By Steve Mosco
A former Flushing public school teacher pleaded guilty Monday to the statutory rape of a female student inside his Forest Hills home, the Queens district attorney said.
Daniel Reilly, 36, who had been a sixth grade English teacher at IS 237 in Flushing, admitted to engaging in sexual intercourse with his the former elementary school pupil at his residence in April 2013 through his guilty plea to second-degree rape, said Queens District Attorney Richard Brown.
“The defendant has admitted to sexually taking advantage of one of his former students – a 14-year-old girl,” the DA said. “As a teacher and an adult, the defendant was in a position of power to know better. Children should be able to remain children.”
Reilly’s sentencing is scheduled for July 22 and he is expected to receive six months in jail and 10 years’ probation, according to a statement from the DA’s office. Reilly also will be required to surrender his teaching license and register on the state’s sex offenders registry, Brown said.
“This case should serve as a clear and unmistakable warning that law enforcement is prepared under any circumstances to apprehend and prosecute sexual predators who betray and defile youngsters,” Brown said.
Reach reporter Steve Mosco by e-mail at smosco@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4546.
