Former Old Colony Teacher Convicted of Raping Student

PLYMOUTH (WBSM) — A former Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School culinary teacher was convicted today of raping one of his students.

Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz announced that Andre Arsenault, 37, of Marion, was convicted of nine counts of indecent assault and battery on a person 14 or over, one count of assault with intent to rape, and one count of rape. The convictions came after a three-day jury trial and a day of deliberations.

How the Investigation Began

A former student came forward to Rochester Police in 2022, telling investigators she had been groomed and victimized by Arsenault, who was her culinary arts teacher while she was in high school.

Details of the Grooming Allegations

According to a WCVB report from when the charges were announced, Arsenault began complimenting the student in 2018 when she was a 14-year-old freshman, and that by the time she was a senior, he was groping her almost every day at school. He then raped her during her senior year in 2022.

Impact on the Victim

“The police report describes her anxiety attacks and eating disorders she developed while she was a student,” WCVB reported. “She told investigators that she worried other students would become victims.”

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D.A. Cruz's Statement on the Case

“Teachers in our community hold a great deal of power over our children and have the ability to help them succeed in life. Rather than working to better our community, Andre Arsenault used this privileged position to prey upon a student,” Cruz said. “I am proud of the young woman who came forward and testified in order to secure Arsenault’s conviction today. It is because of her bravery that he will no longer be in a position to victimize anyone else.”

Next Steps in Sentencing

Arsenault is scheduled to be sentenced on December 19.