Archdiocesan Statement Regarding Allegation against High School Teacher

Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Baltimore
April 4, 2014

http://www.catholicreview.org/article/home/archdiocesan-statement-regarding-allegation-against-high-school-teacher

Statement from the Archdiocese of Baltimore

The Archdiocese of Baltimore and Archbishop Curley High School have received an allegation involving Ms. Lynette Trotta, 33. Ms. Trotta has been a science teacher at Archbishop Curley High School since January 2007. Ms. Trotta is alleged to have engaged in a sexual relationship with a current student during the current school year.

A number of weeks ago, Annette Goodman, the school’s librarian, learned about the allegation. Maryland law and the policies of the Archdiocese and Archbishop Curley High School require that allegations of child abuse be reported to civil authorities and to the head of the school as soon as possible. Ms. Goodman reported the information to the school’s administration on April 1. The school immediately informed the Archdiocese about the allegation and the Archdiocese reported the allegation to the Baltimore Police Department and Child Protective Services of the Department of Social Services the same day.

The Archdiocese and the school have been cooperating with the Baltimore Police Department in its investigation, which has resulted in the arrest of Ms. Trotta. The Baltimore Police Department permitted the Archdiocese and the school to share with the school community information about the allegation.

Archbishop Curley High School has suspended Ms. Trotta and Ms. Goodman from their positions at the school.

A letter is being sent with this statement to families of current students and to recent school graduates informing them about this matter and encouraging anyone with information about this or any possible incident of abuse to report it to civil authorities and to the Archdiocese and/or Archbishop Curley High School. Likewise, current students are being informed of the allegation today and being encouraged to share any concerns or relevant information with civil authorities and the Archdiocese and/or Archbishop Curley High School. The Archdiocese and the school are offering counseling assistance and pastoral care to those who may have been affected and to the entire student community.

The Archdiocese of Baltimore and Archbishop Curley High School are committed to protecting children and helping to heal victims of abuse. Anyone who has any knowledge of child sexual abuse is urged to come forward, and to report it immediately to the police. If clergy or other Church personnel are suspected of committing the abuse, please also call the Archdiocese of Baltimore’s Office of Child and Youth Protection at 410-547-5348.