NEW FAIRFIELD, CT — A New Fairfield school employee has been arrested and charged with multiple sex crimes, including second-degree sexual assault, after authorities say he engaged in an unlawful relationship with a 15-year-old student. Christopher Fernandes, 26, worked as a paraeducator at New Fairfield Middle School and coached freshman boys’ basketball at New Fairfield High School.
Police took Fernandes into custody on May 21. He faces five charges: second-degree sexual assault, fourth-degree sexual assault, risk of injury to a minor, use of a computer to entice a minor, and harmful communication with a minor.
The investigation began on March 6 after two students reported to school administrators that Fernandes had been sending sexually inappropriate messages to a classmate. Those messages were reportedly uncovered via an Apple Watch used by a peer of the victim.
According to court documents, the victim later disclosed that Fernandes had sexual intercourse with her on January 21, 2025, inside his SUV in a school parking lot after a basketball game. Surveillance footage from New Fairfield Middle School confirmed a vehicle matching Fernandes’ was present during the time in question.
Fernandes was placed on paid administrative leave the day the allegations surfaced and has not been allowed on school grounds since. He is currently held on $350,000 bond and made his initial court appearance at Danbury Superior Court on May 22.
Superintendent Kenneth Craw stated that the district is fully cooperating with the police investigation and has also launched its own internal review. “We are committed to maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment for all our students,” Craw said, urging anyone with information to come forward.
This arrest follows a similar 2023 case involving another New Fairfield school employee, cafeteria aide Andie Rosafort, who was sentenced to 30 months in prison for sexually assaulting a student.
DNA evidence collected from Fernandes’ vehicle is pending lab analysis, and the investigation remains active.
