CT private music teacher arrested for second time on child sexual assault charges

A private music teacher in Newtown was arrested again and is facing additional charges for allegedly having inappropriate relationships with children, police said.

Richard Neal, 69, was arrested by the Newtown Police Department‘s Detective Bureau on Thursday after Danbury Superior Court issued a warrant for his arrest.

Neal’s arrest on Thursday stems from an investigation into an inappropriate relationship with a juvenile, according to police. He is facing charges of second-degree sexual assault with a victim between the ages of 13 and 15, second-degree sexual assault and illegal sexual contact with a victim under the age of 16.

Neal was previously arrested in August 2023 on a similar offense for allegedly engaging in an inappropriate relationship with a juvenile who reportedly took music lessons from him, police said. He was charged with one count of tampering with evidence and three counts each of second-degree sexual assault, enticing a minor by computer and delivering alcohol to a minor, court records show.

Detectives and patrol officers investigated the allegations, which included conducting numerous interviews and carrying out multiple search and seizure warrants.

According to police, Neal provided private music lessons and is not affiliated with the Newtown school system.

Neal was held on a $200,000 bond for his August arrest. He was currently held in lieu of a $100,000 bond and was scheduled to appear in Danbury Superior Court on Friday.