TEACHER BUSTED IN AFFAIR WITH PUPIL, 14

PFMLIT General, SEX OFFENDERS AND OTHERS IN POSITIONS OF TRUST, TEACHERS SCHOOL STAFF

Phillip Sims, a 49 year old music teacher, has been arrested on sex charges for allegedly having a three year affair with an underage female student.  He was charged with statutory rape, criminal sexual act with a person younger than 15 and endangering the welfare of a child.  The victim was 14 years old when the relationship began at Gaskill Middle School.  He is accused of having sexual contact with the girl from December 2001 to June 2003.  He has been suspended with pay from the Niagara Falls School District since school officials learned of the allegations last November.   He pleaded innocent at his arraignment and waived his right to a preliminary hearing.

(Niagara Falls, New York)