William Plourde
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A former Sacred Hearts Academy teacher and sailing coach is facing seven counts of sexual assault for an alleged incident involving a 15-year-old student.
William Plourde, 53, of McCully was arrested Wednesday night after calling police and requesting to turn himself in for having sexual contact with a minor, according to court documents.
Betty White, head of school for the all-girls private Honolulu campus, said Plourde’s employment was terminated Wednesday.
The victim, who said Plourde was her former homeroom teacher, told police the alleged incident occurred June 6 in Mililani in Plourde’s vehicle, the documents said.
The student told police that Plourde touched her breast and genital area over and under her clothing, according to the documents.
Plourde was arrested for third-degree sexual assault and was charged with one count of first-degree sex assault and six counts of third-degree sex assault, the city prosecutor’s office said.
He pleaded not guilty at an initial court appearance Friday. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Tuesday.
In a letter to parents and guardians Thursday, White said the school "is fully cooperating."
"Within one hour of the administration receiving and confirming a claim that was brought forward this past Wednesday about Mr. Plourde’s inappropriate behavior, the teacher was dismissed," White wrote. "I assure you that the school is committed to safeguarding the safety of every child…and at any time, if a reported breech of behavior or policy is made, it is taken seriously and acted upon in an equally expedient manner."
