Connecticut school psychologist David Pino facing sex assault charges

December 27, 2011

A psychologist in the Vernon Public School system is facing sex assault charges after his arrest in Enfield on Wednesday, law enforcement and school officials said.

David Pino, 42, of 1 Keen Court, Enfield, is charged with second-degree sexual assault and voyeurism, according to a clerk at the Enfield Superior Court. He is scheduled to appear at the courthouse on Dec. 27 and was able to post a $50,000 bond, the clerk said. The warrant for the case is sealed, she said.

Enfield Police Chief Carl Sferrazza said Pino turned himself in to authorities around 9:45 a.m. Wednesday. He said Pino has no prior criminal record in Enfield.

Vernon school officials said that no crimes were committed in Vernon.

Vernon Superintendent of Schools Mary Conway issued the following statement Thursday about Pino's arrest:

"The school district has been informed of the arrest of school psychologist David Pino. The district has been assured that the charges are in no way related to employees within the Vernon Public Schools nor do the charges relate in any way to children. Mr. Pino has been reassigned from his position at Center Road School to work in the Central Administration office. The district has no further comment."

Officials at Center Road School confirmed that Pino worked there. The school serves students in pre-kindergarten through the fifth grade. Center Road School officials declined further verbal comment.

In a letter to parents, Principal Jocelyn Poglitsch said Pino, who holds a doctorate degree, has been reassigned to central office detail and that she is "taking every step necessary to assure your child's needs will be handled within our school through our Resource Department, social workers and myself."

Despite the news, it was a busy day at Center Road on Thursday where students had a half-day of classes and parent-teacher conferences took place in the afternoon.

Source: Chris Dehnel, "Vernon School Psychologist Facing Sex Charges in Enfield," Enfield Patch, December 15, 2011.