Ridge Man Acquitted of Rape Charges, Convicted of Endangering the Welfare of a Minor

LongIsland.com

A former Bellport teacher was acquitted on multiple charges, but convicted of one misdemeanor.

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Bellport, NY - February 25, 2014 - A former teacher and coach at Bellport High School was acquitted of rape and criminal sexual act charges this afternoon and convicted of one misdemeanor count of endangering the welfare of a child. Jury deliberations began in Suffolk criminal court yesterday. 
 
Jonathon Elsalam, 28, faces one year in jail when he is sentenced May 9. The indictment alleged Elsalam had sexual relations with a teenage female between December 2011 and May 8, 2012. 
 
The trial began February 10. 
 
The South Country Central School District removed Elsalam from his classroom and coaching duties in October of 2012. 
 
The jury acquitted Elsalam of six charges: two counts of rape in the third degree and four counts of criminal sexual act in the third degree, all class “E” felonies punishable by one and one-third to four years in prison.