An elementary school principal in New York, was arrested for allegedly sexually abusing nine boys, NBC reports.
Kirk Ashton, 51, has been accused of sexually abusing the boys between ages 8 and 12 at the Northwood Elementary School in Hilton, New York. The allegations were first brought to light in 2017, but authorities are investigating if there may have been other incidents during his 17 years at the school.
“Generally, individuals who are predators, they prey on children,” New York State Police Lt. Barry Chase said. “Unfortunately, sometimes they get into positions that are powerful and, you know, they take advantage of the weak and the young. It does happen and it’s very unfortunate that these people get into certain types of positions.”
Ashton is charged with multiple counts of first-degree sex abuse, second-degree sexual conduct against a child and endangering the welfare of a child. He was arrested on Wednesday night and remained detained as of Saturday morning, according to inmate records obtained by NBC.
He pleaded not guilty to the charges against him, and bail was set at $500,000 cash or $1 million bond.
