Christopher Verras, a teacher at Thomas Hooker School, was arrested last week after Bridgeport police opened an investigation in May, according to published reports.
Police allege Verras sexually assaulted the paraprofessional on more than one occasion. Authorities also allege a student with special needs was present during the incidents.
It's unclear if Verras remains a teacher at the school after the allegations came to light.
An affidavit obtained by The CT Post alleges Verras sent explicit photos to the 19-year-old paraprofessional and repeatedly contacted her through Snapchat and text messages, despite her allegedly never responding to him.
During Thomas Hooker School's Valentine's Day dance, the 19-year-old told police Verras asked her to help retrieve drinks from his classroom for the gym. She told investigators there were no drinks inside after she entered the room.
"Christopher repeatedly asked her if she wanted to have sex with him, exposed his [genitalia], and attempted to persuade her to perform oral sex," according to the affidavit the Post obtained. He also reportedly touched her inappropriately.
The affidavit says she tried to leave, but Verras grabbed her arm, preventing her from leaving. She told investigators she did not report the incident because she feared retaliation after Verras allegedly told her everyone would hate her, according to the affidavit.
Verras is charged with two counts of first-degree sexual assault, two counts of risk of injury to a child, and one count of third-degree sexual assault, according to Bridgeport police.
Verras was released after posting a $150,000 bond, police said.
Verras ran for Connecticut state representative as a Republican in 2024 but lost to Democratic Incumbent Cristin McCarthy Vahey.
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