A driver’s education teacher in Long Island, New York, was arrested after he allegedly made sexual comments to male students.
Suffolk County Police Department confirmed that Joseph Klein was arrested on Wednesday, July 29, and charged with endangering the welfare of a child.
His arrest comes after alleged incidents that involved male students during driving lessons between July 6 and July 22.
Investigators have accused Klein, 66, of making sexually explicit and inappropriate remarks to the victims while teaching driving lessons in Hauppauge, New York.
It is not currently clear exactly what comments Klein allegedly made, how many victims he told them to, how often the occurrences took place or if authorities believe there are potentially more victims.
Klein was employed by Elite Driving School at the time of his arrest. The company has since issued a statement about the incident, insisting that the safety of students always comes first.
“The safety and wellbeing of our students has always been the highest priority at Elite Driving School,” a spokesperson said, according to ABC 7 New York. “As soon as we became aware of a complaint involving Joseph Klein last week, we immediately terminated his employment with Elite Driving School. This action was taken before his arrest.”
Elite Driving School is subcontracted by Ivy League School Driver Education. The owner of Ivy League School Driver Education, Noah Cooper, also issued a statement about the incident, saying that the organization acted immediately once they learned of the allegations.
“It was reported to us at Ivy League School that one of the drivers made inappropriate remarks, racial slurs, in front of a bunch of 16-year-old boys,” Cooper said in a statement obtained by ABC 7 New York. “We immediately called parents, required that Elite never have this driver work with our children again. I personally called CPS and the police to report it. We have a zero-tolerance policy for language and behavior like that and hope he is punished to the fullest extent of the law.”
Police have asked that anyone with additional information about the case contact investigators at 631-854-8426 as the investigation into the matter continues.
It is not currently clear if Klein has entered a plea or retained legal counsel following his arrest. The Suffolk County Police Department had no additional information to share when contacted by Us.
Parents, teachers, and guardians interested in learning more about protecting children from exploitation can find useful tools and information at Know2Protect.
