Who is Ciara Picard? Former Meriden Teacher charged for years-long inappropriate relationship with student. What arrest warrant reveals
Ciara Picard charged with sexual assault involving former student. Image Credit: Meriden Police Department
Former Maloney High School music teacher Ciara Picard, 39, is facing five counts of second-degree sexual assault after police say she engaged in a years-long inappropriate relationship with a student that began when he was just 14 years old. Picard turned herself in to Meriden police on December 2 and was later released on a $25,000 bond. She is scheduled to appear in court on December 16.
The arrest follows an investigation by the Meriden Police Department’s Special Crimes Unit, which said it launched an inquiry immediately after the school district reported allegations against Picard earlier this year. Picard resigned from her teaching position in August 2025, shortly before police interviewed her.
Warrant Details Years of Grooming, Increasingly Sexual Communication
According to the arrest warrant, the now 25-year-old former student told investigators that Picard began “grooming” him when he entered Maloney High School as a freshman at age 14. He said the relationship intensified during his junior and senior years, describing multiple incidents of sexual assault when he was 16 and 17 years old.
The student told police that after his father passed away, the relationship evolved from emotional dependence into physical contact. He recalled a school-related trip to New York City to attend a symphony, where he and Picard shared their first kiss.
As the relationship progressed, the student said their conversations became sexual in nature. The warrant states that Picard sent photos of herself in her underwear and asked the minor to send explicit photos of himself in return. The student also told police that Picard instructed him to delete the messages to conceal their communication.
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Ciara Picard Admitted “Crossing the Line,” Denied Physical Contact While He Was a Student
During an August 26 police interview, Picard initially denied ever having a relationship with a student during her 13 years with Meriden Public Schools. Investigators said she later conceded that she knew which student they were referring to and admitted that their text messages had “definitely crossed the line.” She also admitted that the relationship was “not okay.”
However, Picard denied the student’s claim that the relationship became physically sexual while he was still enrolled. She insisted the first time they had sex was when he was in college, though the victim disputes this timeline.
Picard told police that the relationship ended in 2021 after the student told her he no longer wanted contact.
Victim Came Forward After Confiding in His Mother
After graduating, the former student revealed the relationship to his mother, who urged him to report it to police. Investigators said the victim struggled with the power imbalance and felt he “could not say no” because Picard was his direct teacher. He is currently undergoing professional therapy as a result of the alleged abuse.
School District and Police Emphasize Student Safety
Meriden Public Schools said it acted immediately when informed of the allegations.
Assistant Superintendent Louis Bronk released a statement affirming full cooperation with police:
“We take all allegations of this nature with the utmost seriousness. Our first priority is always the safety and well-being of our students and staff.”
Police also commended the victim for coming forward, saying it took “significant courage” and that they remain committed to supporting him throughout the legal process.
FAQ
1. Who is Ciara Picard?
Ciara Picard is a 39-year-old former music teacher at Maloney High School in Meriden, Connecticut, who is now charged with five counts of second-degree sexual assault involving a former student.
2. Why was Ciara Picard arrested?
Police say she had an inappropriate relationship with a student that began when he was 14 and became sexual when he was 16 and 17.
3. What does the arrest warrant say?
The warrant details years of grooming, including emotional manipulation, sexual text messages, and explicit images exchanged between Picard and the student.
4. Did Ciara Picard admit to the allegations?
She admitted that her texts with the student “crossed the line” and that the relationship was “not okay,” but denies any physical sexual contact while he was a student.
5. When did the alleged relationship start?
According to the victim, the grooming began when he was 14, escalated when he was 16–17, and continued into his early adulthood.
6. Has Ciara Picard resigned from her teaching job?
Yes. She resigned from Meriden Public Schools in August 2025, shortly before investigators interviewed her.
7. What charges does she face?
She faces five counts of second-degree sexual assault, a felony in Connecticut.
8. When is her court date?
Picard is scheduled to appear in court on December 16.
9. How did the student come forward?
He disclosed the relationship to his mother after struggling with its emotional impact. She encouraged him to file a police report.
10. What has the school district said?
The district said it notified police immediately, has cooperated fully, and prioritizes student safety above all else.
11. What is the victim’s current condition?
Police say the victim is now in professional therapy and has expressed emotional distress tied to the years-long power imbalance.
12. What happens next?
Picard’s case will proceed through the Connecticut court system beginning with her December 16 hearing. Additional legal filings and possibly further charges may follow depending on court proceedings.