Seattle private school teacher charged with child molestation

A private school teacher in Seattle has been charged with four counts of child molestation after two students said he groped them during class, according to the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

Jordan E. Murray, 32, is accused of fondling two girls, ages 6 and 7, on several occasions between September 2012 and April 2013.

Murray, also known as Rabbi Yaakov Murray, has taught first and second grade at Torah Day School since the beginning of the 2011 school year, according to charging documents.

He was arrested after the Seattle Police Department was notified by Child Protective Services of the alleged abuse.

The 6-year-old victim told investigators Murray put her on his lap and “has put his hands down her pants” and shirt on multiple occasions. She said other students were in the room at the time, but said Murray’s desk blocked their view.

The 7-year-old victim said Murray touched her while she was standing at his desk. Other students were in the classroom when the abuse occurred, according to the documents.

“She stated the touching always occurred in class,” the documents read. “Other children were present but they couldn’t see because of Murray’s desk. Murray does the same thing every time.”

Prosecutors say the victims reported the abuse to one of their sisters, who works as a receptionist at the school.

Murray, who was released on bail, could face a minimum of 25 years in prison.