On June 10, 2017, NYSP was informed of a possible sexual abuse case. Investigation reveals that Wight taught at Dansville School and started “Snapchatting” a 16-year-old victim over a course of time. While teaching at Arkport Central School, Wight had allegedly forcibly touched the 16-year-old victim off school property. Wight was arrested and processed at SP Amity. School districts affected in this investigation have been notified.
Wight was arraigned in the Town of Friendship and remanded to Allegany County Jail on $15,000 cash or $30,000 bond.
According to State Police Investigator Scott Cicirello, the victim was a 16-year-old male and a former student. Cicirello said since Wight also taught in Allegany County, there are other potential victims.
Wight also taught at Cuba-Rushford and Fillmore Central Schools in the past.
It is believed that there are more victims.
If you have any information contact NYSP at: 585-344-6200.
This is still an ongoing criminal investigation.
The school issued the following statement:
June 13, 2017 -- Earlier today, an Arkport Central School
District employee, Thomas Wight, was arrested by the New York State Police and
charged with endangering the welfare of a child and forcible touching, both
Class A misdemeanors. The charges do not involve Arkport students and the
alleged crimes took place during non-school hours and off school property.
Wight has served as a long-term substitute teacher with the
district since January 2017, and most recently worked with students in the
junior/senior high school. He was placed on paid administrative leave by
Arkport Superintendent Jesse Harper on Sunday, June 11, as a result of
preliminary information the superintendent received June 9 regarding Wight’s
out-of-school conduct. In light of his arrest this afternoon, Arkport Board of
Education members will vote on rescinding his appointment at its Wednesday
evening meeting.
“The safety and well-being of our students remains our top
priority,” Harper said. “We are shocked by the alleged actions of this
individual, and are committed to providing the safety and support that our
students and community expect and deserve.”
State Police are asking Arkport community members to please
come forward if their child has had any contact with Wight outside of school
hours. Individuals with information may contact either the Arkport Office of
the Superintendent or Student Services at 607-295-7471.
