A veteran Queens highschool principal was accused of repeatedly fondling a feminine staffer on campus – then promptly booted from his job by town.
William Bassell, 66, the founding principal of Academy of American Research, was arrested on Might 27 on expenses of forcible touching and 5 counts of sexual abuse within the third diploma, based on a prison criticism obtained by The Put up.
Bassell allegedly “grazed his hand” over the inside thigh of a girl “with out her consent” in 4 totally different incidents in 2023 and 2024, based on the criticism filed with Queens District Legal professional Melinda Katz’s workplace.
In a fifth incident on June 6 of final yr, Bassell allegedly received out of his automotive and stood in entrance of the defendant and prevented her from leaving after which “grazed his hand in opposition to her neck and her breast, over her garments, with out her consent,” the criticism mentioned.
Bassell was changed as principal and metropolis Division of Training brass have been scheduled to carry an emergency later Monday to debate the bombshell arrest.
“We don’t tolerate inappropriate habits of any form and we take these allegations very critically,” a DOE spokesperson mentioned.
“Whereas we can’t touch upon the specifics of this example, we’re addressing the matter urgently.”
Bassell, who beforehand served as principal of Lengthy Island Metropolis Excessive Faculty, turned himself in on the 112th Precinct particular victims unit.
Some educators have been surprised on the unsettling accusations leveled on the married Bassell, who was a well-regarded educator.
Bassell has been politically concerned in his group. He beforehand ran to serve on the Pelham Manor village board of trustees in Westchester County.
