Rindge officer resigns after arrest on sex charge; also worked at ConVal

[Silent_Bob]

http://www.unionleader.com/article/20120809/NEWS03/708099880

KEENE — A Rindge police officer, who also worked at ConVal High School as an aide, has resigned from the police job amid accusations he tried to sexually assault a teenage girl he knows.

John Vargas-Cifrino, 35, of Chesham Road, Harrisville, was arrested Thursday morning after an internal investigation conducted by Rindge Police concerning an incident that happened in Keene.

Police said the criminal complaint against Vargas-Cifrino, filed in the 8th Circuit Court, Keene District, alleges he assaulted a girl, who is between the ages of 13 and 16. He knows the teen, according to the complaint.

Vargas-Cifrino also works as a paraprofessional at Conval High School, according to a police press release.

Dr. Richard Bergeron, superintendent of SAU 1, which includes the ConVal School District, said Vargas-Cifrino has been placed on unpaid leave, after Keene police notified school officials of his arrest.

Bergeron said he's contacted all guidance counselors seeking information about whether there was any indication of any inappropriate behavior on the part of Vargas-Cifrino.

"There is nothing to suggest that there is something," he said. "This is as a safeguard."

Vargas-Cifrino, because he was a police officer, was employed as a paraprofessional or teacher's aide helping out with students identified with behavioral difficulties.

"We thought the combination was above reproach, but again let's remember these are allegations and the investigation has to continue," Bergeron said.

Vargas-Cifrino was arraigned on the felony charge Thursday and released on $10,000 personal recognizance bail with conditions including no unsupervised contact with anyone under the age of 18, no possession of firearms, continued mental health counseling and no out-of-state travel. He is to surrender his passport and have no contact with the victim or any witness in the case.

Police said the case remains under investigation and additional charges are anticipated.

Anyone who witnessed the event or has information concerning it is asked to call Detective Jen Ramey at 357-9820. Information may be provided anonymously by email at http://www.ci.keene.nh.us/departments/police/anonymous-crime-tips.

What's next: Vargas-Cifrino is to return to court on Aug. 15 at 1:30 p.m. for a probable cause hearing.