The trial of the former Geneva Middle School principal accused of having an inappropriate encounter with a student gets underway this week.
Related: Geneva Middle School Principal arrested; accused of inappropriate encounter with a child under 17
The Finger Lakes Times reports jury selection in the trial of John DeFazio, Jr. will begin Tuesday in Geneva City Court, with testimony likely to begin that afternoon. A scheduling conflict involving De Fazio’s attorney delayed the scheduled March beginning of the trial.
DeFazio faces a charge of endangering the welfare of a child after an incident that was alleged to have taken place at the school on October 5. He was charged after an investigation that lasted several weeks. Neither Geneva police nor the Ontario County District Attorney has released any details of the investigation. The school district placed DeFazio on leave, and accepted his resignation in December, reaching a separation agreement.
Related: Geneva School Board accepts resignation of Middle School Principal
Attorney says his client is the victim of a vendetta
DeFazio’s attorney says his client is the victim of a vendetta by students upset with his effort to enforce the dress code and other school rules.
Former assistant principal Matt Heath is now the Middle School principal.
DeFazio has previously been an administrator in the Rochester public school system.
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