HAZLETON, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A Hazleton Area School District teacher is facing charges in connection with the alleged indecent assault of an 11-year-old girl.
Police say 38-year-old Joseph Disabella had indecent contact with the 11-year-old girl in late November and the investigation is ongoing.
Disabella has nothing to say as he leaves district court in Frackville, Schuylkill County Monday morning. He has been charged with indecent assault and corruption of minors in connection with the incident.
Police say happened at a home in Kline Township, that's near McAdoo in late November.
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"We initially got the call on the 11th regarding a complaint of a sexual assault and we followed it up from there. The victim was an 11-year-old female and through the investigation got information regarding the assault and put it all together," stated Detective Paul Bowman of the Kline Township Police.
Disabella is a diesel mechanic teacher at the Hazleton Area Career Center. Investigators say the alleged incident is not connected to his teaching position or the school
"My client maintains his innocence. It's devasting you know. He's a family man he's an educator these are allegations and that's all they are. It's a shame that we're here but we look forward to aggressively defending this and clearing his name," explained Attorney Sud Patel.
Dr. Brian Uplinger, Hazleton Area School District Superintendent, released a statement regarding the matter:
"We have been made aware of deeply troubling charges involving Joseph Disabella, Jr., a diesel mechanic instructor at the Hazleton Area Career Center. Disabella has been charged with indecent assault and corruption of minors. The charges are unrelated to any Hazleton Area School District students or Disabella's position within the district.Upon learning of these accusations, Disabella was immediately suspended from his duties and will have no contact with students as the investigation proceeds. We are fully cooperating with law enforcement authorities in their investigation and encourage anyone with relevant information or concerns to contact the Kline Township Police Department directly.Ensuring the safety and well-being of our students and maintaining a learning environment where every child feels supported and valued is Hazleton Area School District's highest priority. We recognize that this news is deeply distressing for members of our community. Counseling and support services are available for any students, staff, or families in need. Please do not hesitate to reach out for assistance as we navigate this difficult time together.We are steadfast in our commitment to the safety and well-being of every student in our district and we assure you that we will be transparent and forthcoming with any new information we receive about this case."Dr. Brian Uplinger- Hazleton Area School District Superintendent
Joseph Disabella is currently free on $75,000 unsecured bail. His preliminary hearing is set for January 8.
