Teacher charged with sexual abuse of a child, found not guilty on all counts

ST. ALBANS, Vermont (WCAX) – A St. Albans jury found former Franklin County teacher Matthew Toof not guilty on all counts Friday night.

The case dates back to 2021, when former 6th grade teacher Toof was first charged with sexually abusing an 11-year-old student. Prosecutors said he taught the student at Georgia Elementary School and the abuse began and continued for years.

He was dismissed from school and charged with aggravated sexual assault and lewd and lascivious conduct, but the jury found him not guilty on both counts.

“Mr. Toof felt incredible relief at finally being released from this terrible challenge he had to face for three years,” said Toof's attorney, Robert Kaplan.

The jury deliberated for about three hours.

We attempted to reach Assistant District Attorney Diane Wheeler after the jury announced its verdict, but she and the alleged victim immediately left the courthouse without making a statement. WCAX News is not naming victims of alleged abuse.

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