Bronx Teacher Accused of Touching Girls

A teacher at a Bronx school who has a troubled work history inappropriately touched a number of girls at his school, according to a report by New York City's special schools investigator.

Special Commissioner of Investigation Richard Condon said that Jonathan Polayes, a teacher assigned to Hostos-Lincoln Academy of Science in the Bronx, touched girls that aged from 11 to 17 years old. Condon said that back in 1994, Polayes's principal warned him about inaaprorpiate touching. Then in 2001, Polayes was formally accused of inappropriately touching a student and was suspended.

Polayes is accused of hugging girls and touching their buttocks and breasts, according to the investigation.

Condon turned over his findings to the Bronx District Attorney Robert Johnson to investigate if criminal charges are warranted. The Bronx D.A.'s office confirmed to Fox 5 News that it is looking into the case.

The Department of Education has suspended Polayes and is seeking to fire him.

"He has ignored previous warnings and disciplinary action, and it is unfortunate that it is so difficult to fire someone who obviously does not belong in the classroom," the department said in a statement.