Bradford, Vermont - September 17, 2007
Police say 51-year-old Richard Foster sexually molested one of 12-year-old boy students last winter, but none of it happened at the school.
"We're looking into obviously the possibility that of other victims. Current, as you read in the affidavit, most of the investigation is based on one victim," says Lt. J.P. Sinclair of the Vermont State Police.
The affidavits were released Monday just before Foster was scheduled to be arraigned on multiple counts of sexual assault on one 12-year-old and lewd and lascivious conduct with a second boy. Both have been his students at the Bradford Elementary School but police say all of the crimes took place at Foster's home a mile and a half from the school and Foster had hired both boys to work for him in his video production business he ran on the side.
Police say the boy who had been most abused moved to Florida this summer and the crimes came to light last week when his parents discovered graphic photos of Foster on the boys cell phone. His parents contacted Vermont state police.
Foster refused to speak with them, but armed with warrants police say they seized professionally-edited porn tapes Foster made of himself with one of the boys.
Foster was arrested Saturday, but bailed him self out and went home until Sunday when he called 911 after attempting suicide by slashing his wrists and was unable to attend his arraignment on doctors orders.
His lawyer entered pleas of not guilty, but the judge issued warrants and police say he will be arrested as soon as he released and held without bail.
"Shock and deep sadness we've heard the severity of the charges that unfolded over the weekend," says Wendy Hovey, the Bradford School Superintendent.
Hovey says the school and community was stunned because Foster had been a well-liked and highly respected teacher for more than 20 years in the county.
"There has never been any allegation of any conduct of the nature of the allegations that have unfolded over the weekend," says Hovey.
Tuesday night there be a public forum at the at Oxbow Union High School at 7 P.M. to answer any questions from the public. The police would like to hear form any one who has information about this case.
Brian Joyce - WCAX News
