Following an investigation, West Hartford Police arrested a 24-year-old Hartford man on several charges. [Updated, 5:52 p.m.]

By Ronni Newton

A Hartford man who was working as a paraprofessional in a West Hartford Public Schools facility was taken into custody Friday by West Hartford Police on charges related to inappropriately touching juvenile students.

According to Lt. Ryan Riley, West Hartford Police Department detectives began an investigation immediately after being notified on Jan. 16, 2o25 by West Hartford Public Schools personnel that a paraprofessional working in the STRIVE Program “was suspected of inappropriately touching two juvenile students.” STRIVE, which stands for “Success Through Responsibility, Initiative, Vision and Education,” is the district’s intensive behavioral support program for middle and high school students.

Neither the ages of the students involved nor the location of the alleged inappropriate activity were provided by police.

Following a thorough investigation of the complaint, which also led to the discovery of “text messages which were sexual in nature” exchanged with a student, police obtained two signed arrest warrants.

Dean Allen Jones III. Courtesy of West Hartford Police

Dean Allen Jones III, 24, of Hartford, was taken into custody on Friday, March 7, and charged with two counts of fourth-degree sexual assault and one count of enticing a minor by computer.

Jones was employed with West Hartford Public Schools beginning on Aug. 30, 2023, and resigned on Feb. 25, 2025, according to Julio Duarte, the district’s executive director of Human Resources.

“In a letter to the STRIVE School community, we informed families about the recent incident involving a teaching assistant who was reported for inappropriate behaviors involving sexual harassment and/or sexual assault,” Superintendent of Schools Paul Vicinus said in an email to We-Ha.com.

According to Vicinus, the West Hartford Police and Department of Children and Families were immediately notified when Jones’ alleged behavior was initially reported, and Jones was suspended until the investigation was concluded.

“The WHPD notified us today that the former employee was arrested and formally charged. The individual is no longer in the employ of West Hartford Public Schools,” Vicinus said.

“Throughout this process, school personnel, DCF and WHPD have been in communication with the families of the student(s) involved and appropriate supports continue to be available. The safety and well-being of all students is a top priority and the parties involved are to be commended for coming forward to report this very regrettable and inappropriate situation. I can appreciate the upsetting nature of news of such behavior and its departure from the very high standards for expectations of professional and moral conduct. Both the district and the STRIVE School community remain committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment that preserves the dignity and respect of all individuals and enables the conditions for student growth and learning.”

According to police, Jones posted the combined $125,000 surety bond and is due in Hartford Superior Court on March 20, 2025.

Anyone who has information regarding this incident, or other similar incidents, is asked to please contact the West Hartford Police Department through the anonymous tip line 860-570-8969 or email [email protected].

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