Benjamin Norton
Posted by: Webmaster in High Schools, ME-FV, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Science TeachersBenjamin Norton, 46, a science teacher at Lodi High School, in Bergen County, New Jersey has been arrested on allegations that he got a then 16-year-old female drunk and had sexual intercourse with her during a school field trip in April 2003.
Following an investigation by Massachusetts State Police, Norton has been charged in Barnstable County, Massachusetts on charges of rape, indecent battery and assault and furnishing alcohol to a minor.
At the time of the alleged crimes, Norton was a science teacher at Lodi High School, in Bergen County, New Jersey. Norton had taught the alleged victim while she was a student and he a teacher at Ramapo High School, also in Bergen County, New Jersey.
Reportedly Norton had also tutored the girl privately.
It is reported that during the April, 2003 field trip to Cape Cod, a trip which included 10 students from Ramapo High and 30 students from Lodi High School, that other than one high school graduate chaperone, that Norton was the only adult on the trip.
According to the father of the alleged victim, now 20-years-old, she attends college and volunteers as a lecturer to help teenagers and young adults with addiction problems. The girl’s father says she kept the incident a secret until opening up about it during therapy years later.
Norton was freed on $2,500 bail following his arrest.
His next court hearing is scheduled for August 9th.
If convicted he faces up to 20 years in prison.
Norton’s lawyer, David Molk, calls the accusation “preposterous” and says “I feel very confident that he will be totally vindicated”.
Update 8/18/07:
According to Sharon Thibeault, assistant district attorney for the Cape and Islands District in Massachusetts, a Barnstable County grand jury has indicted Benajmin Norton on one count of rape, one count of providing alcohol to a minor and three counts of indecent assault and battery.
Norton who has remained free on $2,500 bail since his arrest faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted on the rape charge.
References:
Lodi teacher indicted on rape charge (8/18/07)
Lodi teacher charged with rape (8/01/07)
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August 1st, 2008 at 10:27 am
I don’t think this girl is lying. Of course, I wasn’t there on the night in question, BUT, if there was drinking going on, sex may have happened. And if sex happened - between a 41 year old teacher and a 16 year old kid - that is ILLEGAL. Especially with the stipulation that he’s in a position of authority (teacher - similar to priest, counselor, etc.)
She may have been caught up in the moment, and have also been under the effects of alcohol or some other substance - and realized what had gone on later, AFTER the fact. Rape does not have to include violence or beating - it has to be against her will. And IF she’s being given alcohol, which impedes her ability to make a sound decision, and IF she’s a student of her partner - it’s rape.
Sorry to say that, because I’ve known Ben for a long time, and I am sorry beyond words about this situation. I know him, I care about him, he’s a wonderful person - these charges don’t diminish every great thing about him. But if this story about him happened the way it’s been described - it’s unfortunate, but he made a huge mistake, that will cost him immeasurably. He’s in my prayers every night, and so is the unnamed girl…It’s a tragedy for everyone involved.
June 30th, 2008 at 12:23 am
norton was d best teacher ever..he’s funny and awsome..and if that gurl was really raped..why wouldnt she scream for help..or mybe she just wants to do it..and call it a rape so he could suffer.. Y WOULD SHE GO OUT NOW.. AFTER HOW MANY YEARS? she’s making it up..
October 16th, 2007 at 6:15 pm
I am sorry that you were raped. But you clearly have a very narrow view of what rape really is.