Hilton Central School District’s Northwood Elementary School principal Kirk Ashton was arrested on April 14, accused of sexually abusing students. At a press conference on April 15, police and District Attorney Sandra Doorley said the investigation found that the alleged abuse took place at the school during school hours.
Ashton was arraigned in Greece Town Court on nine counts of endangering the welfare of a child, six counts of first degree sex abuse, and five counts of second degree sexual conduct against a child. He is being held at the Monroe County Jail on $500,000 cash bail, $1 million bond.
“These charges involve nine male victims, all students of Northwood Elementary School,” said Maj. Barry Chase, New York State Police. “Orders of protection have been issued on behalf of most of the victims. These allegations against Mr. Ashton were reported to the New York State Police child abuse hotline, which then provided the information to state police on March 26 of this year and the investigation started immediately.”
Ashton, who has been Northwood’s principal since 2004, was placed on administrative leave shortly after the school district was notified of the investigation.
“These are only allegations at this point, there’s a lot more to do with this investigation, and if any parent is listening right now, have a conversation with your child,” Doorley said. “There could be more victims out there and if there are we urge you to contact our office and the New York State Police, and more importantly Bivona Child Advocacy Center.”
Monroe County Assistant District Attorney Sara Van Strydonck will be leading the prosecution. She urged the community to not buy into rumors shared on the internet and social media, but to look to the officials in charge of the case for accurate information. While she understands the community’s desire for more information, her priority is protecting the integrity of the case for all parties involved.
In a note to district parents, Hilton Superintendent Casey Kosiorek wrote, in part:
“I want to assure you that the District has been cooperating fully with the State Police. Our primary concern is for our students. Our District crisis team has formulated a plan to support students and staff, and counselors are available for students throughout the day. In addition, the District has been working closely with the Bivona Child Advocacy Center throughout the investigation and will continue to do so.
With that in mind, if you have concerns about your child, please contact Bivona at 935-7800 or visit Bivonacac.org for a checklist for what to do if you suspect child abuse, who to call, common questions, and guidelines for age-appropriate conversations. If a child makes a disclosure, or you suspect that something has occurred, please contact the New York State Police at 585-279-0144.”
Ashton is scheduled to appear in court on April 20 for a preliminary hearing.
