The officer found the car to be occupied by 28-year-old Daniel Rothbard, of Merrick, and the 15-year-old girl.
Rothbard, a math teacher from Valley Stream, was arrested and charged with endangering the welfare of a child.
Further investigation by detectives determined that Rothbard and the victim had met online through MySpace and that he had sexually assaulted her. Rothbard was additionally charged with third-degree rape, third-degree criminal sexual act and third-degree sexual abuse.
Rothbard was freed on $5,000 bail after pleading not guilty Wednesday at his arraignment.
Detectives are continuing the investigation. They are researching the possibility that Rothbard had contact with other juvenile females online. He is known as "D to the J" or "DJ." Anyone who has had contact with him is asked to call the Third Squad at 631-854-8352 or to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS.
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