Chester Co. boarding school teacher charged in sex assault of student

MALVERN, Pa. (WPVI) -- Police have arrested a teacher at a Chester County boarding school for the alleged sexual assault of a former student.

31-year-old Matthew Scavitto, who worked as a teacher, coach, and dorm supervisor at the Phelps School in Malvern, was arrested on Tuesday.

Investigators say the incidents happened on the campus of the school where Scavitto lived in campus housing.

The former student alleges that the abuse occurred from 2013 to 2014 while he was enrolled as a full time boarding student.

The victim explained that he had become friends with Scavitto, and that in May of 2013, when the victim was 17-years-old, Scavitto began to sexually assault him at his on-campus apartment.

The abuse allegedly continued through the summer of 2013 while both were at a camp in New Hampshire and throughout the victim's senior year, authorities said.

In addition, Scavitto would allegedly communicate with the victim by cell phone and text messages, which allegedly contained code words for sexual activity. The victim says Scavitto would then instruct him to delete the messages immediately after the conversation.

Scavitto was immediately fired by the Phelps School upon learning of the accusations, and authorities say the school is cooperating fully with law enforcement.

The school released a statement Wednesday, which reads in part:

"The Phelps School was shocked and saddened to learn of the arrest of a faculty member late yesterday evening. We can assure members of The Phelps School community that the safety and well-being of our students is paramount, and the staff member in question will not be returning. We are cooperating fully with the authorities on this matter, including the District Attorney's Office of Chester County."

First Assistant District Attorney Michael Noone says, "This is another example of a person in a position of trust grooming a victim and abusing that trust. This defendant manipulated a student who he was responsible for teaching and coaching."

Scavitto is charged with Institutional Sexual Assault, Corruption of Minors, Unlawful Contact with a Minor, and Endangering the Welfare of Children.

He is currently being held in lieu of $250,000 cash bail.

Police are concerned that there may be other victims. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact authorities.