Teacher and Security Officer Faces Sex Charges, WUSA, April 5, 2011

Teacher and Security Officer Faces Sex Charges

WUSA
April 5, 2011

http://wusa9.com/news/article/145206/77/Teacher-And-Security-Officer-Faces-Sex-Charges

[with video]

GERMANTOWN, Md. (WUSA) -- Montgomery County Police have arrested a 52-year-old teacher on sex charges involving a child.

What makes this case unusual is the suspect has a long history of employment with Montgomery County Public Schools and also worked with autistic adults and children. Detectives believe there may be more victims.

Fifty-two-year-old Michel Rosenzweig of Germantown is charged with five counts of third-degree sex offense against a 10-year-old boy.

"I'm shocked. Huh? I have to process this for a minute, because he's worked with kids for as long as I've known him," said Julie Swain, a neighbor of the suspect.

"That's crazy. I've known him for years. He's worked in the Montgomery County Public Schools for years," said Bridget Anders, another neighbor.

The alleged crimes took place at a community swimming pool in Germantown and date back to 2003. The now 18-year-old victim told detectives Rosenzweig befriended him and other boys, and often visited the changing room when he was showering. The victim alleges it was there that Rosenzweig touched him inappropriately on five occasions.

"I can't believe. I can't believe," said Mary Bonilla, who lives next door to Rosenzweig.

There was no answer at the suspect's door, but neighbors are stunned.

"Disbelief. That's impossible. He's lived here for many, many years," said Anders.

One neighbor said Rosenzweig would bring autistic adults into his home.

"There may also be a victim out there who's not been able to report a situation, didn't properly understand what occurred," said Lucille Baur of the Montgomery County Police Department.

"I know he works with autistic kids. He's done that, oh my gosh, for many years," said Swain.

The school system confirms: Rosenzweig was a security assistant at Lakelands Park Middle School in Gaithersburg from 2006 to 2007. He was a security assistant at Neelsville Middle School in Germantown from 2002 to 2006. Prior to that, he worked as a para-educator for special needs children at Stedwick Elementary School in Gaithersburg from 1999-2002.

Police say Rosenzweig has been with Maxim Health Care in Silver Spring since November of 2010, working with children. He was also employed at the Community Services for Autistic Adults and Children in Montgomery Village, and as a police officer at American University in the 1990s. Finally, as a physical education teacher at Saint John Evangelist School in Silver Spring, he was accused of inappropriately touching several girls there, but police did not have enough evidence to charge him.

So, if the victim was allegedly molested eight years ago, why did he just come forward now? It's an incredible story. The suspect recently walked into the workplace of the 18-year-old victim with a group of autistic kids. The victim recognized him, got his license plate number and called police. In Montgomery County there is no statute of limitations, so victims of abuse can come forward years after the alleged crimes occur.

Anyone who has concern about inappropriate contact between Michel Rosenzweig and a juvenile should contact Detective John Reinikka the Family Crimes Division at 240-773-5400.

Rosenzweig was released Tuesday after payment of a $30,000 bond.