Portsmouth teacher faces judge for allegedly assaulting student
(WJAR) — A former Portsmouth teacher of the year, and current middle school teacher was arraigned in Newport district court this morning.
Police say they received reports alleging that a 12-year-old middle school student was assaulted by a teacher during class last year.
Kevin Reilly, a 62-year-old man from Warren, was arraigned on assault charges this morning in a very brief court appearance.
It comes after he allegedly grabbed and twisted a student's arm behind their back while seated at a desk in October of 2025.
Police say after receiving reports of the incident, they interviewed students who had witnessed it.
As a result of the investigation an affidavit warrant was issued. Reilly turned himself in and is charged with simple assault.
At the arraignment, Reilly pleaded not guilty.
He is due back in court later this month.
According to the superintendent of schools, they say they followed all protocols.
That includes placing a teacher on administrative leave pending an investigation.
