Crime & Safety

Outback Center Employee Fired, Being Investigated by New Canaan Police

Outback Teen Center Youth Program Director Andrew Barer has been released from his position and is simultaneously being investigated for an incident that occurred with a group of students at Saxe Middle School, authorities said Friday.

According to Sgt. Carol Ogrinc, Barer was visiting Saxe on January 15 to discuss the center and the programs it offers with students at the school. On January 16, authorities were notified by the school's principal that Barer allegedly made inappropriate comments to a group of of roughly 6 to 10 boys there, Ogrinc said. 

One of the students went home and informed his parents of the alleged comments, Ogrinc said, who in turned contacted the school principal.

President of the Outback Board of Directors Sangeeta Appel confirmed Barer, who had only been hired a couple of months ago, had been terminated, but wouldn't comment further on the reasons behind the firing or any connection to the investigation, citing the incident as a confidential "personnel matter."

"He's been let go from his position," Appel said. "I have not seen anything from the police department."

Ogrinc could not disclose the nature of the alleged comments as an investigation is ongoing. No charges have been levied against Barer at this time.



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