Torrington Warns Against Social Media Taunting

In the wake of a sex assault case in Torrington and allegations of cyber-bullying aimed at a victim, the superintendent is warning that inappropriate comments made against a student or staff member could lead to punishment for students including possible expulsion.

Two Torrington High School players have been arrested, accused of sexual assault, and that has led to online taunts directed at an accuser.

Edgar Gonzalez and Joan Toribio, both 18, have pleaded not guilty felony second-degree sexual assault and other crimes in cases involving different 13-year-old girls.

“Recently, it has come to our attention that some Torrington students have made what appear to be disparaging comments on the Internet, directed at other Torrington students. Please be advised that use of social media by Torrington students to disparage other Torrington students is entirely unacceptable,  Supt. Cheryl Kloczko wrote in a letter posted on Monday on the school system's web site.

Inappropriate comments against a student or a staff member, in or out of school, might lead to discipline, including the possibility of suspension or expulsion, Kloczko wrote.

Kloczko said the school administration and the Torrington Board of Education are cooperating with investigators and all possible steps are being taken to keep students safe.