Two former students at the West Springfield trade school accused Kenneth Strout, their former IT teacher, of inappropriate behavior. One student alleged that Strout, initially offering fatherly support, later made sexually suggestive requests, including asking for nude pictures. The other student reported unsettling social media exchanges with Strout, including receiving a nude photo from him.
Strout was charged with two counts of annoying or accosting a member of the opposite sex and pleaded not guilty. He was released on his own recognizance with conditions prohibiting contact with the victims and unsupervised interaction with children under 16.
Strout no longer works at the school; his departure was described as a mutual decision.
The police report details the students' accounts, including a statement from one victim expressing feeling manipulated by Strout and his claim that he wouldn't be able to control himself if she lived with him. The report also mentions some staff initially defending Strout, viewing the situation as a misunderstanding.
Strout's lawyer stated that the allegations are overblown and that the case will be contested in court.