Riverdale Country School teacher charged for sex acts with a student

A former Riverdale Country School teacher was arrested Monday and indicted on charges that he engaged in a sexual relationship with a 16-year-old student.

Richard Hovan, 30, turned himself in Monday morning and pleaded not guilty to endangering the welfare of a child and performing oral sex on the girl at least twice inside his Chelsea apartment last year.

In an e-mail sent from Head of School Dominic Randolph to parents on Monday and obtained by The Riverdale Press, Mr. Randolph said the school’s administration became aware of the relationship in May 2011.

“After conducting a preliminary investigation, we had the teacher escorted from the campus immediately, suspended him, and instructed him to have no further contact with anyone from the Riverdale community,” Mr. Randolph said in the e-mail.

He said the school contacted “experienced outside advisors, including counsel,” who told school officials to refer the case to the office of Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance, Jr.

“In June 2011, based on initial information from the District Attorney’s office, we terminated the teacher,” Mr. Randolph said in the e-mail, adding that the school cooperated with the D.A.’s investigation.

According to court documents, the D.A.’s office compiled evidence that includes images and electronic recordings from a roughly six month period while the teacher was employed at Riverdale Country School.

“The encounters took place via e-mail, text, phone and in person including the above-described criminal sexual acts and other sexual contact from on or about … December 2010 through May 2011,” according to court documents.

In a statement released by Riverdale Country School, Mr. Randolph said he is “deeply saddened by this incident.”

“Throughout this year-long process, we have attempted to address this situation in a way that protects the affected family and our students as well as discharging our broader obligations,” Mr. Randolph said.

Mr. Hovan’s attorney, Vinoo Varghese, told The Riverdale Press on Tuesday that Mr. Hovan maintains his innocence and hopes to return to teaching after his trial. 

“Richard is a dedicated, son, brother and teacher. He is innocent of these charges,” Mr. Varghese said. “He’s fully invested in fighting these charges and clearing his name.”

Mr. Hovan was released on $25,000 bail on Monday.