By Mark Scott
Buffalo, NY – A Niagara Falls High School teacher turned himself Wednesday after he was accused of having inappropriate sexual contact with a student.
Thirty-eight-year-old Paul Chiarella pleaded not guilty at his arraignment on misdemeanor charges of third degree sexual abuse and endangering the welfare of a child.
Police began an investigation after receiving a complaint from school officials. Niagara Falls Police Chief John Chella said the teacher is alleged to have engaged in "inappropriate touching" of a 16-year-old girl on school grounds.
Chiarella was released on $1,000 bail and will return to court on April 2nd. He is suspended from his job with pay.