Paterson gym teacher accused of sexually assaulting 10-year-old girl

PATERSON, New Jersey (WABC) -- A New Jersey gym teacher is under arrest, accused of having sexual contact with a 10-year-old female student.

Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia Valdes and Acting Paterson Police Chief William Fraher announced the arrest of 36-year-old Edward Clark, of Hackensack.

Authorities say he was taken into custody on Wednesday after an investigation conducted by the Paterson Police Department determined he had committed an act of sexual contact with the student at School Number Eight in Paterson.

He is charged with one count of third-degree aggravated criminal sexual contact and one count of third-degree endangering the welfare of a child.

Clark pleaded not guilty Friday, and his attorney says he emphatically denies the charges.

He is free on $75,000 bail. If convicted, Clark faces up to five years in prison on each charge.