Tucker High teacher charged with assaulting student on track

HENRICO, VA (WWBT) - Henrico police are investigating a teacher charged with assaulting a female student at Tucker High School. John Amoroso, 37, was arrested at the end of April for aggravated assault against an 18-year-old student. School officials say he's been on paid leave, since.

Investigators aren't giving specific details on the incident. Detectives say the charge stems from contact between Amoroso and the girl on the school track, back on April 21. Officers say she had minor abrasions.

School officials won't get specific on details over the incident, citing the situation is a personnel matter.

Amoroso is listed as a world history and geography teacher on Tucker High School's website. Students say the scenario has generated much buzz in the hallways and online.

NBC12 was told Amoroso was jogging on the track and passed the student. After some sort of contact, the girl is said to have fallen. It's not clear what exactly happened.

NBC12 got in touch with the alleged victim's mother and adult sister. They declined to comment. We also visited Amoroso's home. The woman who answered the door, declined to talk, as well.

Meantime, some students who know Mr. Amoroso say he's known as a friendly teacher.

"He was very energetic, and very nice… He liked to play around with the students and make fun of them sometimes," said Aaron Bragg, who says Mr. Amoroso was his homeroom teacher, last year.

"Playful, energetic, caring," described student Selena Govan.

Govan says Mr. Amoroso was her teacher this year. She started a petition supporting his return.

"So far, I have 222 signatures…If it doesn't work [showing the principal], then I'm going to show Mr. Amoroso [the petition], himself," said Govan.

Amoroso is due in court next month.

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