Teacher charged in sex assault out on bail Published in the Asbury Park Press 07/18/05 BY MATT PORIO TOMS RIVER BUREAU POINT PLEASANT — The Point Pleasant Borough High School teacher and coach accused of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old student was out on bail Sunday. Peter James Halas, 29, of Beach Front, Manasquan, posted the $100,000 bail he was being held on since his arrest Friday afternoon. He is charged with first-degree sexual assault, endangering the welfare of a child and official misconduct in connection with incidents that allegedly took place from April until this month, according to authorities. Halas — arrested by Point Pleasant Police and the Ocean County Prosecutor's Family Protection Unit — is a history teacher, assistant varsity boys basketball coach and junior varsity boys basketball coach at the school. Point Pleasant Borough resident Ace Bottone, whose son plays basketball at the school, said the community, as well as the players, are shocked. "He was pretty blown away by it," said Bottone, of his son. "He said, "There's no way, he's not that kind of guy.' " Point Pleasant Board of Education Superintendent Robert Ciliento said Saturday the board will take action once it is provided with a copy of the complaint from law enforcement and that a "suspension and/or termination will occur." http://www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article? AID=/20050718/NEWS01/507180324/1004/NEWS01 |