Boston Public Schools gym teacher charged with indecent assault on a child

BOSTON — Boston Police have arrested a man for indecent assault and battery on a child.

On Wednesday, police were called to Kennedy Elementary School in East Boston for a reported indecent assault.

Police arrested 31-year-old Nicholas Speller of Malden - a gym teacher at the school - and charged him with four counts of indecent assault and battery on a child under 14.

The following robocall was sent out to parents:

"Good evening, P.J. Kennedy School Community:

[We are] calling to inform you of an incident that occurred today.

This incident allegedly involved misconduct by a staff member in our school.

We immediately contacted the Boston Police Department and Boston School Police as soon as we learned about it.

The staff member was arrested this afternoon, and has also been placed on administrative leave.

Please know the safety of our students is always a top priority of the Boston Public Schools and at the P.J. Kennedy.

We have spoken with the parents of the students who were directly impacted, and are providing counseling to any children who are in need of support.

If you have any questions or concerns — or think your child might need assistance — please do not hesitate to call our school at (617) 635-8466.

Please know that we are firmly committed to providing a safe and welcoming climate for all of our students — and we are here to support you and your child.

Thank you for your time. You may press the star key to hear this message again."

Speller is due in court on Thursday.

Police are investigating and anyone with information should give them a call.

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