A Bay Shore High School art teacher was arrested Thursday after Suffolk County police said he followed an 18-year-old former student whom investigators say he had a sexual relationship with when she was 17 and a senior at the school.
John Kennedy, 53, was charged with fourth-degree stalking following an investigation by Sixth Precinct Crime Unit officers, police said.
The woman noticed Kennedy following her from her home to Selden on the morning of Sept. 3, according to police. She arrived at her destination in Selden and police were called at about 10:40 a.m.
Kennedy was arrested at his St. James home at about 4:10 p.m., police said.
Investigators said Kennedy had a sexual relationship with the student when she was 17 and a senior at Bay Shore High School last year. Police also said Kennedy had been seen driving past the woman’s home multiple times during the previous several weeks.
Kennedy was held overnight at the Sixth Precinct and was scheduled to be arraigned Sept. 4 at First District Court in Central Islip.
Detectives are asking anyone with information about the case, or anyone who believes they may also be a victim of Kennedy, to contact the Sixth Precinct Crime Unit at 631-854-8626.
Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Suffolk County Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-220-TIPS, through the P3 Tips app or at P3Tips.com.
Kennedy is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Photo: SCPD
