A Brooklyn teacher has been arrested and charged with endangering the welfare of a child and harassment for allegedly forcing a 12-year-old student into an unwanted hug and making inappropriate comments. Emil Agaronov, 41, was taken into custody on Wednesday.
According to a criminal complaint, the incident occurred on July 28 around 10 a.m. inside Andries Hudde I.S. 240, located on Nostrand Avenue in East Midwood. Prosecutors stated that Agaronov asked the pre-teen for a hug. When the girl was hesitant, he allegedly embraced her tightly, causing her to feel his chest against hers and his belt buckle against her stomach.
Following the hug, Agaronov reportedly asked the student if she knew the meaning of "Papi," boasted about his preference for Latin women, stated he desired a Latin wife, and inquired if she would spend the night with him.
The charges against Agaronov were not bail-eligible, and he was released on his own recognizance Thursday evening, despite prosecutors' requests for supervised release.
A spokesperson for the New York City Department of Education commented that the system "takes these heinous allegations seriously." The spokesperson added that Agaronov was immediately reassigned away from students and that the department would pursue termination if the claims are substantiated.
The NYPD has released Agaronov's photograph and is seeking additional potential victims. Those with information are encouraged to contact the NYPD's Sex Crimes Hotline at 1-212-267-7273 or 1-646-610-7272, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477). Tips can also be submitted online via the Crime Stoppers website or through X @NYPDTips.