EAST GREENBUSH, Florida -- A social studies teacher at Columbia High School was charged Monday with repeatedly having oral sex in his classroom with a 16-year-old male student during the school day.
Late last week a rumor circulated at Columbia High School that social studies teacher Kirk James Hellwig, 37, of Patricia Lane, Saratoga Springs, was allegedly carrying on a sexual relationship during school time with one of his students.
"One of our officers who is stationed at the school was approached by two principals about the rumor," said town Police Chief Christopher Lavin. "We then searched some premises, collected evidence, interviewed numerous individuals and reviewed computer activity."
Hellwig, who is single and has taught social studies at the school since 1999, was arrested Monday morning on three counts each of felony third-degree criminal sex act and misdemeanor endangering the welfare of a child.
He was arraigned in town court Monday and released on $25,000 bail. He is set to reappear in court at 6 p.m. Thursday, unless the case is presented to a grand jury.
Lavin said the alleged victim, who told police the relationship was consensual, cooperated in the investigation and is now getting therapy. Hellwig was charged because a 16-year-old is not old enough to consent.
Hellwig and the teen allegedly had sexual contact while in the classroom alone. Officials said the relationship may have been going on since January.
"It allegedly happened at three times and at three different times of the day," Lavin said.
The brazenness of the alleged sexual tryst has shocked and dismayed district officials.
"This is disturbing," said school Superintendent Terrance Brewer. "We have suspended Mr. Hellwig from his teaching position and all other district duties pending the outcome of this investigation."
Brewer said Hellwig has also been banned from entering any district premises or attending any school functions.
Officials said there was no indication Hellwig had sexual contact with other students.
A source close to the case said police are further investigating Hellwig's alleged computer e-mail activity with students.
In addition to teaching at the school, Hellwig has also coached baseball and wrestling at the school.
A woman, who answered the phone at Hellwig's home, declined to comment late Monday and referred calls to attorney E. Stewart Jones. A message asking Jones to call back was left at his home.
The Rensselaer County district attorney's office and the State Police Computer Crimes Unit are also involved in the investigation, authorities said.
A letter was sent to parents Monday informing them of the news and offered counseling to any student or parent who may request it.
