Teacher From Mass. Charged With Assaulting 17-Year-Old Girl

PORTSMOUTH, R.I. (AP) — Police in Portsmouth say they have concluded their investigation into a Middletown high school teacher suspected of assaulting a 17-year-old girl outside a Rhode Island motel where he allegedly rented a room for him and the student.

Detective Lt. Brian Davies says in a statement released Saturday that Patrick Aylward of Fall River, Mass., has been charged with one count of domestic simple assault.

Davies says, at this time, investigators do not have enough evidence to prove that additional crimes have occurred in Portsmouth.

Just over two weeks ago, the 39-year-old Aylward pleaded not guilty to a misdemeanor assault charge in Newport District Court.

The physical education and health teacher at Middletown High School allegedly head-butted the girl Feb. 16 outside a Portsmouth motel.

Aylward is on paid leave while school officials investigate allegations that the two were dating.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.