Connecticut drama teacher facing sex charges after allegedly caught with student, 15, in dressing room

A New Haven, Connecticut, teacher charged with sexual assault was reportedly caught with a 15-year-old student in a school dressing room.

An arrest affidavit obtained by the WFSB claimed that Wilbur Cross High School drama teacher Jennifer Frechette, 44, was caught in the act on January 5. Two school security guards allegedly told police that they heard noises behind a clothing rack in the middle of a dressing room. They ultimately discovered Frechette and the student, both fully clothed, in a makeshift bed together.

“Battery operated ‘tea light’ candles, a mat that was made to look like a bed with pillows, a quilt, and a ‘Beats’ headphone case that contained several unused condoms” were found in the dark dressing room, according to the arrest warrant.

Court documents detailed that a security guard claimed that he heard Frechette mumbling to herself “nothing happened,” “what was I thinking,” and “I’m going to lose my job” as they waited for police to arrive.

Though the drama teacher originally denied anything went on, she later told security guards that the victim “sweet talked” her and that he was mature and “not a child,” the New Haven Register reported.

The teen supposedly told police that he and Frechette often texted each other about sex and had planned to have sex that night. He allegedly also claimed that in December she performed oral sex on him—on a couch in her classroom.

The warrant also revealed that Frechette’s play rehearsal calendar had a January 5 practice marked as “canceled.” The teacher told police that the victim was trying on costumes when security guards arrived. She also allegedly claimed that the “makeshift bed” was there so they could comfortably talk about the play and not for sex.

The 44-year-old turned herself in on April 13 and was charged with second-degree sexual assault and fourth-degree sexual assault. She is also facing two counts of risk of injury to a child.

Frechette appeared in court on Monday. She is currently free on bond and is due back in court next month.

“The care and safety of students is the top priority for New Haven Public Schools,” Superintendent Reginald Mayo said in a release obtained by the Register. “A breach of that responsibility by any staff member is cause for concern. The arrest of a New Haven teacher on allegations of sexual assault and risk of injury is deeply troubling.”

Frechette has been on paid leave since the January incident. On Friday, Mayo revealed that the district is taking steps to terminate the drama teacher.

[Featured Image: New Haven Police Department]