Former Old Colony teacher found guilty of rape, assault and battery charges

BROCKTON — A former Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School teacher was convicted of rape and assault and battery charges in Brockton Superior Court on Friday. 

Andre Arsenault, 37, was found guilty on one count of rape, one count of assault with intent to rape and nine counts of indecent assault and battery on a person 14 or over following a three-day jury trial that ended Dec. 12.

One of the culinary arts teacher’s former students informed the Rochester Police Department in October 2022 her teacher had groomed and victimized her. She reported his inappropriate behavior began in 2018, and his abuse took place between 2021 and 2022.

According to a now-impounded police report obtained by WCVB, the victim said Arsenault “was groping her almost every day at school” and that “she was raped during her senior year.”

Impounding documents prevents the public from gaining access to them but allows the parties and their council to still have access. This is often done when the documents contain sensitive information.  

After an investigation by Rochester Police, Arsenault was arrested Mar. 12, 2024 and arraigned in Wareham District Court.

Arsenault will be held at the Plymouth County House of Corrections without the right to bail until his sentencing Dec. 19.

“I am proud of the young woman who came forward and testified in order to secure Arsenault’s conviction today. It is because of her bravery that he will no longer be in a position to victimize anyone else,” said District Attorney Timothy Cruz in a statement.

Arsenault’s attorney James Morse did not respond to requests for immediate comment.