Lawsuits likely in abuse case

Five families of alleged victims of sexual abuse at the Okte Elementary School have signaled their intent to sue the school district. The Shenendehowa Central School District said it had received five notices of claim by Tuesday afternoon. A notice of claim is a legal document warning an institution such as a school district that a lawsuit is on its way. The notices usually contain few details. Christopher Culver, 32, who used to be one of the most popular teachers at Okte Elementary, was arrested in February and charged with having sexual contact with six of his first-grade students, all boys. The alleged abuse happened during the school day in Culver's classroom. Culver, who was charged with felony sexual abuse, denies any wrongdoing and said he looks forward to clearing his name. He has been on paid administrative leave since his Feb. 11 arrest. (more...)

'Hockey House' vandalism plea likely

The 13 Shenendehowa High School students and alumni accused of trashing a house on Route 9 are expected to appear in Halfmoon Town Court on Thursday night. "It might come to a plea," Saratoga County District Attorney James A. Murphy III said Tuesday. Police and prosecutors have arrived at a damage amount - $14,500 - that the 13 defendants will be responsible for paying back as restitution, Murphy said. The exact amount of damages to the home were not known before now, he said. Murphy said partiers punched in the sheetrock and ripped a door from its hinges. People tore down the basement ceilings in places. (more...)