EX-TEACHER ACQUITTED IN ABUSE CASE

Newsday/Erik German

Richard Tuthill, a 32 year old Bay Shore Middle School music teacher, has been charged withfondling two 13 year old girls during private voice lessons at his home. He was arrested May 9,2005, after one girl reported to police that he sexually abused her earlier that day. He wasreleased without bail on a charged of second degree sexual abuse. Then on Wednesday, detectivesarrested him again and charged him with abusing another girl twice, in February and on May 7. Hepleaded not guilty to two more counts of second degree sexual abuse on May 19, 2005, and was againreleased without bail. Orders for protection were issued for the two victims. Anyone withinformation whether there are additional victims is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 800-220-TIPS.
On October 27, 2009, Tuthill was acquitted in one case, a year after he was convicted in theother.  He was acquitted on two counts of second degree sexual abuse after a three week trialthat included seven days of deliberations.  He faced a maximum sentence of a year in jail forthe misdemeanor charges.  Tuthill was found guilty last year of second degree sexual abuse, acharge that was the result of the first girl to accuse him.  He was sentenced to six months'probation and he was required to register as a sex offender.  The case is being appealed.
(New York)