UPPER MERION TWP., Pa. (WPVI) — A third-grade teacher in Montgomery County is accused of having inappropriate contact with a student.
Zachary Schettone, 39, of King of Prussia, was arrested Tuesday on charges including indecent assault without consent, indecent assault of a victim under 13, and related offenses.
According to Upper Merion Township police, Schettone allegedly had one of his students sit on his lap during class at Gulph Elementary School and then touched the child in an indecent manner.
According to investigators, the alleged incident occurred three years ago, but the former student of the school district came forward last fall.
Parents in the Upper Merion Area School District were notified of the arrest by letter.
Jenny Chiu, who has children in the district, said the news was unsettling.
“It was a little shocking, actually. I’m sure it’s devastating for the parents; they must be terrified about what’s happening, especially seeing it in the same school district that my kids are going to,” Chiu said.
The Upper Merion Area School District said Schettone was immediately placed on leave once the allegations surfaced.
“During this investigation, Mr. Schettone did not teach in our district, nor has he been on school property during the 2025-2026 school year. We have cooperated fully with the police throughout their investigation,” Superintendent Dr. Tamara Thomas Smith wrote in a letter to the school community.
Schettone will remain on leave pending the outcome of the case.
The school district is offering counseling services for families and students. Anyone wishing to speak with a counselor can contact Director of Student Services Dr. Gina Ross at 610-205-8861.
Attempts to reach Schettone were unsuccessful on Tuesday, and court records do not indicate that he has an attorney.
Anyone with information related to the investigation is asked to call Upper Merion Township police at 610-265-3232.
Copyright © 2026 WPVI-TV. All Rights Reserved.