The quiet veneer of a suburban school district has been shattered by the arrest of a long-time teacher on charges of third-degree rape involving a minor. David Porter, a 66-year-old educator at Victor High School in Victor, New York, now faces accusations of engaging in sexual intercourse with an individual under the age of seventeen, an act that has sent ripples of shock and concern throughout the community.
The Ontario County Sheriff’s Office, in conjunction with the Ontario County District Attorney’s Office and Ontario County Child Protective Services, conducted a meticulous investigation that culminated in Porter’s arrest. The alleged incident, which authorities believe occurred in December, has prompted a swift and decisive response from both law enforcement and the Victor Central School District.
Porter was arraigned before the Ontario County CAP Court on Saturday, March 1st. He was subsequently released on self-recognizance bail, a decision that has already ignited further debate within the community. He is scheduled to reappear in court on Tuesday, where the legal proceedings will continue. In an effort to safeguard the alleged victim, the court has issued an order of protection.
The Victor Central School District, in a statement released by Superintendent Tim Terranova, confirmed that the alleged victim is a student, though not currently enrolled in Porter’s classes. Upon being notified of the investigation, the district immediately placed Porter on leave and initiated the process of seeking an interim and immediate suspension of his teaching certificate. The district’s statement emphasized their full cooperation with the ongoing investigation, underscoring that the “safety and well-being of our school community is of the highest importance.”
The gravity of these allegations has prompted a wave of anxiety among parents and students alike.
The trust placed in educators, particularly those with long tenures, has been profoundly shaken. The district’s swift action to remove Porter from his teaching position and pursue the suspension of his certificate reflects an attempt to address the immediate concerns and to demonstrate a commitment to student safety.
The investigation continues, and authorities are urging anyone with information related to the case to contact Investigator Dylan LaBrake at (585) 394-4560. The collaborative effort between law enforcement and child protective services highlights the seriousness with which these allegations are being treated.
In the aftermath of Porter’s arrest, the community grapples with questions of accountability and prevention. The incident has reignited discussions about the vulnerability of minors and the responsibilities of those entrusted with their care. The focus now shifts to ensuring a thorough and impartial investigation, while also providing support and resources to those affected. The long-term impact on the school community remains to be seen, but the immediate priority is to address the immediate concerns and to ensure the safety and well-being of all students. The legal processes that follow will be closely watched, as the community seeks answers and a sense of closure.