John Azabache, a 31-year-old teacher at Ossining High School in Westchester County was arrested Friday
afternoon on suspicion of raping a 16-year-old student -- the same day he was supposed to marry another woman.
The New York math teacher turned himself in to police and was arraigned on a charge of third-degree rape, Patch reports. Defense lawyer Tony Castro said Azabache pleaded not guilty.
Azabache is accused of having sexual relations with a student between some time in March and July 1 of this year, according to source. The girl's family reportedly contacted authorities.
The suspect was jailed on $50,000 bail, and ordered not to contact the student or his fiance and her family because they were "witnesses to events after the fact," a judge told the station.
Azabache's wedding was cancelled prior to the arrest, but Castro wouldn't say if the botched marriage was related to the charges.
He was supposed to be married Friday to an unnamed White Plains woman.
Students at the school told reporters that Azabache was well-liked.
Castro added that he has a "stellar record as a school teacher."
"I just want to note that what he’s being charged with does not involve any forceable compulsion," Castro said.
"It involves an alleged incident with a minor, someone who is just under 17 years old."
Azabache is due back in court on July 23.
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