Jonathan Zahra had sexual interactions with school-age children

[Sister Iroz]

PLAINVILLE , Conn. -- The Plainville Police Department said it has made an arrest after sexual assault investigation.

In a news statement Friday, Lt. Brian N. Mullins said 25-year-old Jonathan M. Zahra, was arrested as a result of a two-month police investigation into his interactions with one or more school-age children, with whom he was acquainted.

Mullins said the sexual assault charges stem from incidents that occurred from July 1, 2008 through September 30, 2008.

Zahara is being held on a $750,000 bond.

Police said their investigation is still ongoing.

Mullins said there is also a related investigation involving Zahara being conducted by federal authorities.

http://www.wfsb.com/news/19351408/detail.html

PLAINVILLE — A technology specialist in the town school system has been arrested on multiple charges of sexual assault and risk of injury to a minor.

Jonathan Zahra, 25, was taken into custody Friday morning at a residence at 12 River Edge Court, and was being held by Plainville police on a court-ordered $750,000 bond, Lt. Brian Mullins said.

If Zahra does not post bond, he will be arraigned Monday at Bristol Superior Court, Mullins said.

Zahra is charged with three counts of first-degree sexual assault, two counts of fourth-degree sexual assault and seven counts of risk of injury to a minor. Mullins said charges stem from Zahra’s activities from July through September of 2008.

Mullins would not say whether there was more than one victim, but did say Zahra knew the victim or victims.

“I will tell you,” Mullins said, “that it’s obvious from the charges that it involves a child victim.”

Plainville Superintendent of Schools Kathleen Binkowski said Zahra has been on paid administrative leave since March 9, when she learned he was under police investigation.

“We take this very seriously,” she said. “It’s very disturbing.”

Zahra was hired as a part-time technology assistant in January 2006, Binkowski said, and promoted to full time the following January.

“I want to be clear on this — this is not a teacher,” Binkowski said.

But she said that as a technician, Zahra had access to all town schools and had contact with students.

“Nothing has taken place on school grounds,” Binkowski said.

Mullins also said, “None of these crimes occurred on campus.”

He and Binkowski declined to say whether any of the allegations involve Plainville students.

Police released few other details of the case, and the warrant was sealed.

Mullins said Plainville police worked along with a federal agency on the case, but would not say which one.

“Their investigation is ongoing,” he said, “as is ours.”

Plainville Board of Education Chairwoman Becky Tyrrell said the board knew about the police investigation and Zahra’s administrative leave. Tyrrell declined to discuss details of the case.

Zahra’s job, she said, had been important.

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