A former music teacher at Maloney High School in Meriden, Connecticut, has been arrested and faces serious charges. Ciara Picard, 39, is accused of having a sexual relationship with a former student back in the day. According to documents released to us by Fox News Digital, she is charged with five counts of second‑degree sexual assault.
The charges are detailed in an unsealed arrest warrant that comes from the local police. Investigations began after it was alleged that Picard had a romantic relationship with a male student who has since graduated. She first met him when he was 13 years old, and by his junior year the connection allegedly turned sexual. A warrant describes a pattern of grooming and repeated inappropriate contact. The student, now 25, says the teacher started grooming him when he was in his freshman year. Over time, their conversations became more personal, frequent, and occurred after school hours.
Records show that Picard took him on a trip to New York City for a concert. There, she reportedly told him, “I’ve always wanted to kiss you,” and kissed him. Investigators also say she bought him pricey dinners and gifts, and sent explicit text messages and photos. The victim recalls that Picard would visit his home after school when his family wasn’t there. Texts investigators reviewed contained explicit language from Picard, such as a line about how much she “wanted” the victim and what she desired to do.
During a police interview on August 26, Picard first denied any wrongdoing but later admitted that her interactions with the student had “definitely crossed the line.” She also allegedly said she loved him, calling the relationship “not OK.”
Picard turned herself in on December 2, was released on a $25,000 bond, and is set to appear in court on December 16, according to NBC Connecticut. After the charges became public, the school tried to calm the community. Assistant Superintendent Louis Bronk said, “Our first priority is always to assure the safety and well‑being of our students and staff,” adding that Picard had resigned in August as the investigation grew.
Fox News Digital has requested additional comments from the Meriden Police Department and Maloney High School.
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