Providence principal pleads not guilty for failing to report molestation allegations

August 22, 2017 12:16 pm

By: News Staff

Email: news@abc6.com

Twitter: @ABC6

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) – The principal at Harry Kizirian Elementary School in Providence pleaded not guilty in court today for covering up molestation allegations against a gym teacher.

Prosecutors say Violet LeMar, 45, waited nearly two months before contacting DCYF, when she should have contacted them in less than 24 hours.

LeMar is now being charged with failure to report.

Prosecutors say LeMar learned several students accused James Duffy of molesting them back on May 9^th.

She notified the school department, but did not contact DCYF until July 5^th, turning over 68 pages of findings conducted during an internal investigation that was conducted over three days after the complaints.

Prosecutors say officials spoke with students without their parents being notified or present.

"It should be noted that Ms. LeMar personally had contact with two of the alleged complainants who relayed their allegations against Mr. Duffy," explained Special Assistant Attorney General Ania Zielinski. "At no point during the three days did the defendant notify DCYF."

Police became aware of the situation on May 11^th,after a parent of one of the victims filed a complaint.

DCYF was then notified by police and a doctor at Hasbro Children’s Hospital, who examined one of the students.

LeMar’s charge is a misdemeanor. She was released on personal recognizance and is due back in court September 18. Le-Mar is on administrative leave from the school.

Duffy, also on administrative leave, is facing five counts of second-degree child molestation.

“The most important assets we have are our children and we are to nurture, guide, protect and love them," said Acting City Council President Sabina Matos in a statement. "Our hearts, prayers and love go out to all the families affected…We will do all that we can to ensure that the appropriate proactive measures are in place to not repeat these behaviors.”