Case is "blown out of proportion because we’re in Princeton," Henry W. Vanegas-Salcedo’s lawyer says.
By: David Campbell
A former Riverside Elementary School teacher pleaded not guilty Tuesday to allegations he secretly videotaped female colleagues in a staff bathroom.
William Arango, attorney for first-year Spanish teacher Henry W. Vanegas-Salcedo, said the Princeton Board of Education acted prematurely when it fired his client before he has had the opportunity to answer charges in court.
"We have an individual here that hasn’t been found guilty," Mr. Arango said. "If and when we resolve this matter and he is found not guilty, I will seek reinstatement of his employment as well as back pay."
Mr. Arango said the allegations against his client were "unfortunate," and said the case has been "blown out of proportion because we’re in Princeton."
After a 30-minute closed-door hearing Monday night, the school board voted unanimously to fire Mr. Vanegas-Salcedo, 32, for conduct unbecoming a teacher.
Superintendent Claire Sheff Kohn said Tuesday the district’s action is independent of any criminal action. She said the district did not have to await the outcome of criminal proceedings before acting.
"We did our investigation and concluded that Mr. Vanegas was responsible for this egregious behavior, and consequently took appropriate action in a timely fashion," Dr. Kohn said. "When you have someone that holds a public office such as a school teacher, you cannot have that person continue to work who performed this kind of activity."
According to the superintendent, the Spanish teacher never responded to an offer to appear before her or have Monday night’s hearing held publicly.
Mr. Vanegas-Salcedo, who Mr. Arango described as a married father of three, was suspended with pay when he was arrested at his Sayreville residence at 12:15 a.m. April 19 and charged with maintaining a nuisance, which includes photographing or preparing obscene material. He was released on $2,500 bail, police said.
A female staff member reportedly discovered a hidden camera in a bathroom used mostly by women. Police said the suspect could be seen on video adjusting the camera settings.
There is no indication students at the K-5 school were videotaped, Dr. Kohn has said.
In court Tuesday, Prosecutor Marc A. Citron asked that Mr. Vanegas-Salcedo, who was born in Colombia, be required to turn over his passport and visa due to concerns the defendant could flee the country. But Princeton Township Municipal Court Judge Russell W. Annich Jr. said he may not have jurisdiction in the matter.
Because the charges against Mr. Vanegas-Salcedo are indictable, the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office will review the case to determine if a grand jury indictment will be sought or if the case will be remanded to Municipal Court for trial.
The defendant’s attorney said Tuesday he has not yet read the police report or analyzed evidence in the case and would not comment on whether his client videotaped Riverside staffers.
Police would not comment on the ongoing investigation, but Mr. Arango asserted that the charges did not involve children or teen-agers, posting on the Internet or financial gain by the defendant.
If convicted, Mr. Vanegas-Salcedo faces up to a year in prison and a maximum $10,000 fine.