Community Corner

Southington Teacher Charged in Prostitution Bust

The Strong school teaches was charged after allegedly attempting to solicit a prostitute and has remained on "indefinite suspension" since May 30.

A Strong Elementary School veteran teacher is on "indefinite suspension" and is facing charges after he was allegedly caught trying to solicit a prostitute in New Britain in late May, police and court officials confirmed Monday.

Officers in New Britain took Bristol resident William Freitag into custody earlier this year following a prostitution sting in May that involved undercover efforts in the areas of Main Street, Lafayette Street and Washington Street in New Britain.

Freitag, 56, is facing charges including patronizing a prostitute. The charge carries a maximum one-year prison sentence. He was released following the arrest after posting bond.

Police said Monday that the arrest was one of six made when an undercover officer posing as a prostitute conducted the sting in the area on May 29.

According to the police reports, Freitag and others approached the woman and attempted to garner her business before the undercover officer took them into custody.

Freitag was placed on "indefinite leave" starting May 30, according to school officials, and is subject to further discipline pending the outcome of both the court case and an independent school investigation. School Superintendent Joseph V. Erardi Jr. told the Record-Journal last week that he anticipates the school's investigation will be completed before the start of the new school year.

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