The Hornell school administrators accused of misdemeanor charges related to the search of female students last academic year have pleaded not guilty.
Superintendent Jeremy Palotti was charged with two counts of official misconduct and one count of failing to make required reports to the New York State Child Abuse Hotline.
High School Assistant Principal Eli Marcus was indicted on 10 counts of endangering the welfare of a child.
Both appeared separately in court last week entering not guilty pleas.
Conference dates are set for August 5 and August 9. Motions in the case will be heard on September 27.
Orders of protection were issued for the 10 students involved. Marcus was placed on administrative leave prior to the indictments. However, Palette continues to serve as superintendent.
According to The Evening Tribune, the Hornell Board of Education has backed the administrators. “From what we understand about the surrounding circumstances, these charges are not justified, and we urge everyone to remember that anyone charged with a crime is presumed to be innocent until proven otherwise,” school board officials said in a statement.
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