Former Music Teacher Accused of Inappropriate Relationship with Student

A former music teacher at Maloney High School in Meriden is facing allegations of having an improper relationship with a former student. The incidents reportedly took place several years ago. Ciara Picard, who is now 39, surrendered to authorities on December 2nd after details from the arrest warrant revealed that she met the student when they were just 13. Picard was the student’s teacher for four years, and it is claimed that she began to groom the victim during their freshman year, continuing throughout high school.

Text messages between Picard and the student indicated that their relationship turned inappropriate over time. Notably, when the student was 16, Picard allegedly took them to a symphony in New York, where she expressed a desire to kiss the victim. Following this outing, the relationship reportedly intensified, with Picard saying, “I love you.”

The situation involved the exchange of sexual images via text message, and the victim has alleged that Picard visited her home when no one else was around.

Investigators reported that the victim recounted specific instances in which they were pressured to engage in sexual acts. The victim claimed feelings of confusion and pressure to comply.

Detailed in the warrant, the victim shared explicit messages exchanged with Picard, where they expressed feelings of hatred and pressure to perform sexual activities.

During a visit to Maloney High School on August 26, Picard denied ever having inappropriate conduct with any students over her 13-year tenure. However, she later acknowledged that she “definitely crossed a line” with the victim in question and disclosed that their relationship ended in 2021. Since then, she has resigned and is now facing three counts of second-degree sexual assault.

In response to the allegations, Deputy Superintendent Louis Bronk stated, “Our top priority is always to ensure the safety and health of our students and staff.”