Auburn teacher resigns, accused of molesting pupil

AUBURN – An Auburn elementary school teacher accused of molesting a female pupil has resigned.

Parents and others attending an informational meeting Thursday evening were told that music teacher James Raymond’s resignation came two days after his arrest on a charge of unlawful sexual touching. Raymond, who is free on bail, was quoted by police as saying he sometimes put his hand up young girls’ skirts.

At the 45-minute meeting, speakers were told that the school took action as soon as it learned of the allegations.

Some parents, however, expressed frustration that they were not permitted to speak or ask questions.

Raymond was quoted in a court document as saying he didn’t remember last month’s incident involving a 7-year-old pupil that led to the charge.

The girl told police that after Raymond had her sit next to him during a music class, he slid his hand up her skirt and touched her buttocks through the outside of her underwear.

Raymond, who was arrested Tuesday and is free on bail, initially claimed that any touching was innocent in nature. He later told a detective that he was attracted to young girls.