Teacher accused of touching child in Long Island supermarket

HUNTINGTON STATION, Long Island (WABC) -- Suffolk County police have arrested a Wheatley Heights man, who is employed as a teacher, after he allegedly touched a child inappropriately in a supermarket.

Gerry White, 45, is accused of following a woman and her three children while inside C-Town Supermarket on New York Avenue in Huntington Station on March 13.

Authorities say he then used vulgar language before touching the woman's 9-year-old daughter on her leg and upper thigh.

White was arrested at his home on March 19 and charged with unlawfully dealing with a child.

White teaches math and science at Upper Room Christian School in Dix Hills and owns EZPZ Solutions, a child education business.

Police are asking anyone who believes they may have experienced improper contact from White to call 911, or they can contact the Second Precinct Crime Section at 631-854-8226.

Upper Room Christian School released the following statement, via headmaster Dr. Gregory Eck:

"We have been shocked to hear today of the arrest of Gerry White, a math and science teacher here at Upper Room Christian School. In the year and a half that Mr. White has been affiliated with our school, he has never exhibited any wrongful behavior toward any of our students. Based on information we have received from the Suffolk County Police, the young girl involved in this incident with Mr. White was not and has never been a student in our school. However, because the safety and security of our students has always been and continues to be our highest priority, we have acted decisively and proactively to protect our students while the incident of March 13 in Huntington Station is under investigation. Therefore, Upper Room Christian School has chosen to terminate our relationship with Mr. White and his company EZ-PZ Solutions, effective immediately. Our prayers go out to the family of the young girl involved in this incident as well as Mr. White, that the healing power and deliverance of the Lord Jesus Christ may be present in the lives of all involved in this tragic situation."