Stoneham Woman, Teacher Accused of Having Sexual Relationship with 13-Year-Old Student

A teacher at East Somerville Community School has been accused of having a sexual relationship with a 13-year-old student.

Alexandra Romanos, 41, of Stoneham, was arrested Wednesday morning and charged with two counts of aggravated rape of a child and three counts of indecent assault and battery on a child under the age of 14, according to the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office.

Romanos was arraigned Wednesday in Somerville District Court and held on $50,000 bail by Judge Neil Walker. If she posts bail, Romanos would be under house arrest and wouldn’t be allowed near Somerville schools, among other conditions, authorities said.

“These are very distressing allegations,” Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan said in a statement. “The idea that a teacher would use their position of authority to manipulate an impressionable young teenager is unsettling and alarming.”

Authorities became aware of the allegations against Romanos in late June after a parent reported the relationship to school officials, Somerville Mayor Joseph Curtatone said. Romanos allegedly initiated the relationship with the student in late March, and the relationship occurred both on and off school grounds, authorities said.

Romanos, a fifth grade teacher, has been placed on administrative leave, according to authorities. She is due back in court Tuesday, July 29, for a probable cause hearing.

The East Somerville Community School is a K-8 school on Cross Street.