Stephen Budd, Former Rosarian Academy Teacher Arrested; Accused of Sexual Activity with Young Girls

By Tania Rogers
WPTV
April 5, 2013

http://www.wptv.com/dpp/news/region_c_palm_beach_county/west_palm_beach/stephen-budd-former-rosarian-academy-teacher-arrested-accused-of-sexual-activity-with-young-girls

[with video]

A former Rosarian Academy teacher is behind bars, accused of sexual activity with two young girls. The alleged incidents happened in the 2006 school year.

Investigators say Stephen Budd was arrested Wednesday night, accused of sexual activity with two young girls who are former students.

51 year old Stephen Budd appeared in court Thursday morning, accused of sexual assault. According to the West Palm Beach Police Chief, back in 2006, Budd allegedly had sexual encounters with two 4th graders. Budd reportedly would use "Budd Bucks" to reward the girls, as candy, in return for sexual acts.

One victim told police Budd recently tried to get in touch with her through Facebook. That's when she told her parents, who contacted police.

Police Chief Vince Demasi says there could be other victims.

"Based on our investigation we feel that he is serial offender we are very confident that there are additional victims out there. We want to make sure that victims come forward and assist in this investigation and we can assure you we will do everything in our power to make sure that the victim's names, addresses this type of material that it remains out of the media and will not be released by the West Palm Beach Police Department."

Rosarian Academy released this statement,

"Rosarian Academy's leadership was shocked and distressed to learn yesterday of disturbing allegations against a former teacher at the school by two of our alums. we are cooperating fully with local law enforcement in the investigation so that the facts associated with this alleged incident dating back to the 2006-2007 school year are brought to light as quickly and comprehensively as possible."

If you have information that can help investigators, contact the West Palm Beach Police Department.