Brooklyn teacher accused of groping, having relationship with male student

FLATBUSH, Brooklyn (WABC) -- A Brooklyn high school teacher was charged with having an ongoing relationship with a 16-year-old student.

Officials said Mervyn Affoon, 65, first groped the male student inside the Academy of Hospitality and Tourism in February.

The boy rejected Affoon, according to officials, and the business teacher asked the boy not to tell anyone what happened. But Affoon groped him again in an elevator a week later. That time, the student didn't object.

They met several times at Affoon's apartment in March through June.

Affoon gave the boy money for food after each encounter, totaling about $400.

When classes resumed in the fall, Affoon allegedly reconnected with the student, who had just told his parents.

But Affoon became suspicious and detectives moved in.

Affoon was arrested early Tuesday morning and will be arraigned later in the day. He's facing charges of forcible touching, sexual abuse, criminal sex act, forcible touching, acting in a manner injurious to a child < 17 and sexual abuse.

The NYC Department of Education released this statement:

"These disturbing allegations have absolutely no place in our schools and represent behavior that violates the trust of students and families. Mr. Affoon was immediately removed from the classroom and reassigned away from students pending the outcome of this criminal matter."

Affoon has been an Education Department employee since 2006. He has taught at the Academy of Hospitality and Tourism in 2007.