'Gravely serious abuse:' Orange County elementary teacher indicted on out-of-state sex crime charges

Two men, including an Orange County elementary school teacher, have been indicted on multiple sexual abuse charges stemming from incidents that occurred at St. Thomas the Apostle School in Delaware during the 1990s. Christopher Crisona, 57, was arrested on March 10 while working at Andover Elementary School after authorities discovered an outstanding warrant for unlawful sexual contact against him.

The Delaware Department of Justice reported that the abuse allegedly took place between 1994 and 1996, with 80-year-old John Taggart, a former priest at the school, identified as a key suspect after an anonymous tip prompted an investigation. This inquiry revealed that Taggart had reportedly abused a victim throughout seventh and eighth grades, with the assaults continuing after the victim left the school.

Crisona, who taught at St. Thomas from 1994 to 1996, was removed from his position after a student complaint and later worked at several other Catholic schools in the Wilmington area. He began his teaching career with Orange County Public Schools in August 2008 and was employed at various elementary and middle schools before his recent arrest.

The school district acknowledged Crisona's arrest and stated that he would not return to work while an investigation is ongoing. The charges against him include multiple counts of unlawful sexual contact and sexual abuse of a minor, which Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings described as a serious violation of trust that has caused significant trauma to the victim.

Both Crisona and Taggart are expected to be extradited to Delaware, where the Department of Justice is actively seeking other potential victims in light of the allegations. Individuals with information are encouraged to reach out to the authorities to assist with the investigation.