Bronx, New York — A Bronx high school teacher has been arrested after allegedly slapping a 16-year-old male student on the buttocks inside a South Bronx school building, prompting swift disciplinary action from the New York City Public Schools system and a criminal investigation by the NYPD. The incident has raised serious concerns about student safety within technical education programs and the measures in place to prevent inappropriate conduct by staff.
Teacher Accused of Inappropriate Contact With Teen Student
Authorities identified the teacher as 60-year-old Kiho Kim, who was taken into custody on Monday afternoon. Police say Kim is accused of forcibly touching the teenage student during school hours at a campus located on East 151st Street, home to the Bronx Design and Construction Academy.
According to law enforcement sources, the allegation involves Kim slapping the student’s buttocks, an act classified under New York law as both sexual abuse and forcible touching. These charges apply when an individual intentionally makes sexual contact with another person without consent.
Kim has been a listed faculty member at the technical high school, which focuses on hands-on trade instruction such as engineering, construction, and design. His name continued to appear on the school’s staff roster as of Tuesday.
NYPD: Criminal Charges Now Pending Court Arraignment
The NYPD confirmed that Kim was arrested and transported to Bronx Criminal Court, where he awaited arraignment as of Tuesday evening. Officials have not disclosed additional details about the conditions leading up to the alleged incident or whether the student reported the misconduct immediately.
Under New York Penal Law, the charges Kim faces carry potential jail time and may require registration as a sex offender if a conviction is secured. Investigators have not indicated whether surveillance footage or witness statements played a role in the arrest.
NYC Public Schools Removes Teacher From School Community
In response to the arrest, the New York City Public Schools system moved quickly to distance the teacher from the school and ensure he no longer has access to students.
A spokesperson for the department called the allegation “unacceptable” and emphasized the city’s commitment to student safety.
“The safety of our students is our top priority,” the spokesperson said. “This individual is being removed from the school community, and if convicted, we will pursue termination.”
City officials did not specify whether Kim has been placed on administrative leave, reassigned to duties away from students, or immediately suspended pending the criminal case. However, Department of Education policies generally mandate removal from school property for any staff member facing allegations of sexual misconduct.
School Community Left Seeking Answers
The Bronx Design and Construction Academy serves hundreds of students pursuing specialized technical training. Incidents involving staff misconduct can be especially disruptive in environments where hands-on instruction requires close interaction between educators and students.
Parents and students at the school have not yet received detailed public communication, and officials have not said whether counseling services or additional support will be offered to the affected student or wider school community.
The allegation comes at a time when New York City has been working to strengthen reporting mechanisms and oversight protocols in response to previous misconduct cases within the school system. Advocates say that swift removal of staff — as seen in Kim’s case — is a necessary first step but must be followed by thorough investigations and transparency.
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Investigation Still Ongoing
Authorities have not released information about Kim’s employment history, prior disciplinary actions, or whether other complaints have been filed against him in the past.
The NYPD has not indicated whether investigators are reviewing additional evidence or speaking to other students or staff members who may have relevant information.
As Kim awaits arraignment, prosecutors will determine whether to pursue the charges as filed or add additional counts based on the evidence.
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