SUFFOLK COUNTY, N.Y. — A Bay Shore High School teacher has been arrested on a stalking charge after Suffolk County Police say an 18-year-old former student reported that he followed her from her home to Selden.
Police identified the teacher as John Kennedy, 53, of St. James.
According to Suffolk County Police, the woman noticed Kennedy following her on the morning of Sept. 3 as she traveled from her home to Selden. Police were called at approximately 10:40 a.m. after she reached her destination.
Kennedy was arrested later that afternoon at his St. James residence.
During the investigation, Sixth Precinct Crime Unit officers determined that Kennedy allegedly had a sexual relationship with the student when she was 17 and a senior at Bay Shore High School. Police also said Kennedy had been seen driving past her home multiple times in recent weeks.
Kennedy was charged with Stalking in the Fourth Degree.
Police said he was held overnight at the Sixth Precinct and scheduled for arraignment in First District Court in Central Islip on Sept. 4.
Detectives are asking anyone with information about the case — or anyone who believes they may also have been victimized by Kennedy — to contact the Sixth Precinct Crime Unit at 631-854-8626.
The allegations remain under investigation.
A criminal charge is an accusation, and Kennedy is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.