Parent of student allegedly victimized by guidance counselor speaks out

Fox Boston
May 12, 2015

http://www.myfoxboston.com/story/29037126/parent-of-student-allegedly-victimized-by-guidance-counselor-speaks-out

MEDFORD, Mass. (MyFoxBoston.com) -- The mother of one of the alleged victims of a guidance counselor who is being investigated for having sex with her students spoke out Monday about how she found out.

Jenna Tarabelsi is on paid leave from her position as career counselor at Medford Vocational Technical High School after students complained about her, saying she allegedly had a relationship with at least one student.

The mother says she is speaking out because she wants to let other alleged victims know they are not alone, and she says her son feels the same way.

A letter from the Department of Children and Families was stuck inside her front door three weeks ago.

The mother, whom FOX25 is not identifying to protect her son, said a DCF worker later explained they were investigating allegations of sexual abuse at Medford Vocational High School.

Her son was named as a possible victim.

"She says there was allegations against a female teacher...I believe she said the female teacher was 23 at the time," the mother said.

Her son was then 15 years old.

Medford police told FOX25 News students had come forward claiming the Tarabelsi had sexual relationships with possibly three male students.

The mother says her son has since come forward with more details about the alleged relationship.

"He told me that he had pictures of her breasts," she said. "The school's never even called me to even let me know what's going on."

The Medford school district said they reported the allegations to the state as soon as they surfaced.

Since FOX25's story ran Friday, several viewers contacted us saying Tarabelsi taught them at different schools.

The principal at Arlington Catholic High School confirmed Tarabelsi was a teacher here for the 2009-2010 school year.

"Her duties were split as a part time counselor for a group of  freshman students and a theology teacher part time as well. No allegations were ever brought forth by any student or parent regarding Ms. Tarabelsi," the principal said.

Former students and sources told FOX25 Tarabelsi also taught at Pope John High School in Everett. The Archdiocese of Boston said they do not comment on personnel matters.

"It's none of the children's fault and they step forward and be brave enough for her to be held accountable," the Medford mother said. "I just want the schools to be safe."

Since last week, FOX25 has made multiple attempts to contact Jenna Tarabelsi for comment. She has not responded.

Meanwhile, the Medford mother says her son has spoken with DCF, but soon hopes to file a full report with Medford police.