South Coast teacher sentenced after conviction for indecent assault, raping, former student he groomed, victimized

PLYMOUTH – A former South Coast teacher has been sentenced after being convicted of rape and multiple counts of indecent assault following allegations that he groomed and victimized one of his students.

According to Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz, Andre Arsenault, 37, of Marion, was found guilty after a three-day jury trial and one additional day of deliberations on nine counts of indecent assault and battery on a person 14 or over, one count of assault with intent to rape, and one count of rape.

Court records show that Arsenault was sentenced Friday to not less than 4 years to not more than 5 years in state prison with credit of 8 days served.

The case came to light in October 2022 when a former student at Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School reported to Rochester Police that Arsenault, her Culinary Arts teacher, had groomed and sexually abused her. The inappropriate behavior began in 2018 and escalated into physical assaults that occurred between 2021 and 2022.

“Teachers in our community hold a great deal of power over our children and have the ability to help them succeed in life. Rather than working to better our community, Andre Arsenault used this privileged position to prey upon a student,” DA Cruz said. “I am proud of the young woman who came forward and testified in order to secure Arsenault’s conviction today. It is because of her bravery that he will no longer be in a position to victimize anyone else.”

Rochester Chief of Police Michael Assad Jr. issued the following statement after Friday’s sentencing.

“I am extremely proud of Detective Catherine Connolly and Sergeant Connor Leddin for their hard work, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to seeking justice in this case. Their dedication ensured a thorough investigation and a strong presentation of the facts. I am equally proud of the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office for their exceptional professionalism and steadfast advocacy on behalf of the victim, particularly Assistant District Attorney Jim Duffy and Assistant District Attorney Jordyn Carpenter.”

“Today’s sentencing represents accountability and protection for our community. Most importantly, it affirms justice for the victim, whose courage and strength throughout this process cannot be overstated. Because of the collective efforts of law enforcement and our prosecutorial partners, Mr. Arsenault will not be able to commit these crimes against any other victims for the foreseeable future.”