Police: teacher, student had sex after she was 17

MORRISTOWN — A suspended Morristown teacher's affair with an underage student became sexual — and legal — after she reached the age of consent, according to police and prosecutors.

Daniel G. Frick, 38, Potsdam, was jailed Tuesday night on a misdemeanor child endangerment charge after St. Lawrence County sheriff's investigators alleged he had inappropriate contact, ranging from holding hands to kissing, with a 16-year-old girl between July and October. None of those incidents involved sexual contact, according to Sheriff Kevin M. Wells.

Continuing investigation revealed Mr. Frick and the girl had sex at the school on several occasions after her 17th birthday, investigators said.

"There have been incidents after she was 17, but it wouldn't have been illegal after 17," Detective Sgt. Brooks J. Bigwarfe said.

Although the case remains under investigation, District Attorney Nicole M. Duvé said she is aware that Mr. Frick is alleged to have had sex with the girl after her 17th birthday.

"Age 17 is the age of consent as long as other issues aren't in play, like force, physical helplessness or mental incapacity," Ms. Duvé said.

"Unfortunately this isn't the first time a teacher has been accused of inappropriate behavior. We will be taking a very close look at it."

Investigators have examined files on Mr. Frick's computer and hard drives.

"At this point we don't see any criminal activity, but it does bolster our case," Detective Sgt. Augustus T. Burns said.

Investigators also plan to conduct interviews in the Salmon River and Brasher Falls central school districts, where Mr. Frick taught before joining the Morristown Central staff about two years ago. A background check was performed by Morristown officials, deputies said.

Mr. Frick remained in St. Lawrence County jail, Canton, in lieu of $5,000 bail or a $10,000 bond Thursday afternoon. A court appearance scheduled for Thursday in Morristown Town Court was postponed until May 15.