Ex-Naugatuck Teacher Arrested, Police Say

NAUGATUCK, CT — A now former Naugatuck teacher has been arrested and charged with "harmful communication with a minor," police said Saturday.

In June 2026, the Naugatuck Police Department was contacted by the Naugatuck Board of Education about "concerns involving a 15-year-old minor and a teacher," police said in a news release.

"During the investigation, detectives found that the teacher had frequent one-on-one interactions with the minor," police said. "The teacher and minor exchanged numerous personal text messages over a span of several months."

The investigation resulted in an arrest warrant for Michael Harte, 54, of Terryville, for harmful communication with a minor, police said.

Harte turned himself in to police on Friday. He was released on a $5,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in Waterbury Superior Court on Sept. 9.

"Harte is no longer employed by the Naugatuck Board of Education," police said in a statement. "Parents are encouraged to talk with their children about online communication and the importance of having safe and appropriate boundaries with adults."

"Parents should also know what messaging and social media apps their children are using and consider checking their devices," police added in a statement. "If a child receives messages from an adult that make them uncomfortable, confused, or concerned, they should know that it is okay to tell a parent, teacher, school counselor, or another trusted adult. Parents should also remind their children that they will not be in trouble for telling them about a concerning message or interaction. Speaking up can help keep them and other children safe."