Ciara Picard, 39, a former music teacher at Maloney High School in Meriden, Connecticut, faces five counts of second-degree sexual assault after authorities say she groomed a student beginning when he was 13. Investigators allege the relationship became sexual by the student’s junior year and included gifts, explicit messages and an incident during a trip to New York City. Picard surrendered on Dec. 2, was released on $25,000 bond and is due in court on Dec. 16; she resigned in August as the probe intensified.
Former Connecticut Music Teacher Arrested After Alleged Years-Long Grooming and Sexual Relationship With Student
Dec 11
Former music teacher allegedly groomed and had inappropriate relationship with teen student
Ciara Picard, 39, a former music teacher at Maloney High School in Meriden, Connecticut, has been arrested and charged with five counts of second-degree sexual assault stemming from an alleged inappropriate relationship with a student that began when he was a minor.
Allegations and Investigation
Court documents obtained by Fox News Digital and an unsealed arrest warrant reported by News 8 detail allegations that Picard first met the male student when he was 13. Investigators say the communications and conduct escalated over several years and became sexual by the student’s junior year of high school.
Pattern of Grooming
According to the arrest warrant, the victim, now 25, told investigators that Picard began grooming him while he was a freshman. Communications reportedly grew more personal and frequent, often after school hours. The warrant recounts a trip to New York City for a concert when the student was 16, during which Picard allegedly said, "I’ve always wanted to kiss you," and initiated their first kiss.
Ciara Picard, 39, who taught music at Maloney High School in Meriden, Conn., faces five counts of second-degree sexual assault.
Investigators also say Picard bought the student expensive dinners and gifts, exchanged sexually explicit messages and photos, and visited his home after school when family members were not present. Texts reviewed by detectives reportedly included explicit statements about sexual desire and planned acts.
Arrest, Statement and School Response
When interviewed by detectives on Aug. 26, Picard initially denied wrongdoing but later acknowledged that her interactions with the student had "definitely crossed the line." She reportedly admitted telling the student she loved him and described the relationship as "not OK." Picard surrendered to police on Dec. 2, was released on $25,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on Dec. 16, according to NBC Connecticut.
Assistant Superintendent Louis Bronk told the community the district’s "first priority is always to assure the safety and well-being of our students and staff." Bronk confirmed Picard resigned in August as the investigation progressed. Fox News Digital has reached out to the Meriden Police Department and Maloney High School for additional comment.
Note: All allegations are from court documents and reporting. The accused has not been convicted; the case remains pending.
