New Haven Hillhouse Assistant Principal Charged in Student Assault

Daniel Bonet-Ojeda faces four charges after a police investigation into allegations at the high school.

Last updated September 20, 2026
A New Haven police cruiser

New Haven assistant principal faces four charges

New Haven police charged James Hillhouse High School assistant principal Daniel Bonet-Ojeda after he turned himself in Monday, September 14, 2026, over allegations that he sexually assaulted a student twice during school hours.

Bonet-Ojeda, 49, faces two counts of second-degree sexual assault and two counts of fourth-degree sexual assault. His bond was set at $250,000.

The New Haven Police Department was notified by the Connecticut Department of Children and Families on May 22, according to the arrest warrant and police information reported by NBC Connecticut. The school district placed Bonet-Ojeda on administrative leave on May 26.

Police said the alleged incidents happened on consecutive days in Bonet-Ojeda’s office after he arranged to be alone with the student. Investigators reviewed school surveillance video and interviewed witnesses and staff members, according to police information reported by the Connecticut Mirror.

New Haven Police Investigation Included School Video

According to warrant details reported by NBC Connecticut, the student told investigators that the first alleged assault happened in Bonet-Ojeda’s office on May 21. The encounter was interrupted when another student called the student’s phone and knocked on the office door, the report said.

The student reported a second alleged assault on May 22 after Bonet-Ojeda asked her to come to his office during lunch. Another student initially entered the office and was later sent out, according to the warrant details. Police said surveillance video showed the student and Bonet-Ojeda entering and later leaving the office on both days.

The student later told another student and a dance teacher what had happened. The teacher reported the allegations to DCF and the school principal, according to NBC Connecticut. The student was later taken to Yale New Haven Hospital, where a sexual assault kit was completed, the report said.

District keeps Bonet-Ojeda on paid leave

New Haven Public Schools said Bonet-Ojeda remains on paid administrative leave, and an interim replacement is filling the position. District spokesperson Justin Harmon said the district is working with school social workers and specialized staff to support students and staff.

“Nothing is more important than the safety of our students,” Harmon said in a statement reported by the Connecticut Mirror. He said Hillhouse families with questions or concerns were invited to contact the school.

New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker called the allegations and arrest “extremely disturbing” and said the school system would support the student and the wider Hillhouse community, according to the Connecticut Mirror.

Bonet-Ojeda is due back in court Oct. 8

Bonet-Ojeda was arraigned after turning himself in. A judge denied his attorney’s request to reduce the $250,000 bond, according to NBC Connecticut. The court also ordered him to stay at least 100 yards away from the student; violating that order could result in an additional felony charge.

Bonet-Ojeda is scheduled to return to court on Oct. 8. Police said they had no indication of allegations involving other students at the time of the Connecticut Mirror’s report.


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