A Queens elementary school teacher who allegedly used his classroom time to prey on students has been found guilty of sexually abusing five of his former pupils.
“The defendant stands convicted of being a sexual predator who made going to school a living nightmare for the five young students,” said District Attorney Richard Brown, announcing the verdict.
In addition to sexual abuse, Simon Watts, 41, was found guilty of sexual conduct against a child, forcible touching and endangering the welfare of a child. He faces up 35 years in prison.
According to trial testimony, said Brown, the crimes took place while Watts was working as a third- and fourth-grade teacher at P.S. 15 Jackie Robinson in Springfield Gardens between September 2007 and March 2010.
During that time, he abused four females and one male, ranging between eight and 10 years old.
RECOMMENDED STORIES
- Former Queens teacher pleads guilty to rape of student
- Queens teacher charged with molesting three additional students
- Queens music teacher accused of sleeping with 16-year-old
