Providence teacher accused of sexual assault against a minor

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Providence police said a teacher at a city charter school has been accused of having a sexual relationship with a minor.

Francis Castillo, who was a teacher at Rhode Island Nurses Institute Middle College Charter High School, is set to be charged with three counts of third degree sexual assault.

According to Fall River police, Castillo was arrested on June 12 as a fugitive from justice.

The school said it was made aware of the allegations against Castillo on May 2 and subsequently reported him to Providence police, the Department of Children, Youth, and Families, and the Rhode Island Department of Education.

CEO Pamela McCue said that an internal investigation is still ongoing and Castillo was terminated from employment on May 5.

“Our daily operations center around the safety and well-being of our students and staff,” she said “We are committed to that remaining our utmost priority. As this is an ongoing and active investigation, we cannot comment any further on the specifics of the matter. Our student support services team is ready to assist any student who may feel the need to speak to a mental health counselor.”

Castillo is set to be arraigned Friday morning.

This is a developing story and will be updated as information becomes available.