BANGOR, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- The Bangor School Committee fired a teacher accused of unlawful sexual contact Wednesday evening.
James McHenry has been charged with two misdemeanors, unlawful sexual contact and assault. He pleaded not guilty to the charges Wednesday in court through his attorney. The 48-year-old previously taught math at Bangor High School.
"Given his position dealing with young people as a teacher, we think it's an important case regardless of the nature of the charge," Deputy District Attorney Michael Roberts said.
A few weeks ago, Superintendent Betsy Webb said that McHenry was "no longer at Bangor High School." After conducting its own investigation, the committee concluded Wednesday evening that McHenry is unfit to teach "based on his interactions with a minor off school grounds," wrote Webb in a statement. She said his employment would not profit the school department.
McHenry's lawyer Jeff Silverstein said McHenry is looking into appealing the school system's decision to fire him.
"He has engaged in no conduct whatsoever that we believe justifies him being dismissed," Silverstein said.
McHenry will likely be back in court for a dispositional conference early next year.
