Whitman music teacher had inappropriate conduct with student, police allege

Matthew DiMuccio

A Whitman music teacher was arrested Monday after authorities alleged he had inappropriate conduct with a student.

Matthew DiMuccio, 32, of Wellesley, was taken into custody at his home and charged with two counts of indecent assault and battery on a child under 14, according to a statement from Whitman police.

A teacher at Duval Elementary School, DiMuccio was placed on administrative leave on May 15 when a Whitman police school resource officer “was notified of alleged inappropriate contact between him and a student.”

“An investigation was launched and it was subsequently determined that there was probable cause to arrest DiMuccio,” officials said.

Authorities have not released details of their investigation because the victim involved is a minor.

DiMuccio’s father told Boston 25 News that his son’s arrest is over a misunderstanding and that he did nothing wrong. The investigation started based on a complaint about a dance he taught to the 20 students in his class, he told the station.

“It’s a parent that’s feeling upset and putting pressure on the school system and the police department,” Kenneth DiMuccio said.

Matthew DiMuccio provided investigators with a copy of the textbook that shows the dance routine, his father said.

“It’s a classroom. They get up and do their routines. That’s what he’s teaching them: dance movement routines,” Kenneth DiMuccio said. “It’s a very sophisticated, highly-regarded program that the school paid for him to attend.

“But one student had an issue,” he added.

Police said their investigation remains ongoing. Matthew DiMuccio was expected to be arraigned Tuesday in Brockton District Court.

“I’m confident this will be nothing,” Kenneth DiMuccio told the station. “He’s not a criminal. He’s (had an) excellent, credible record in his lifetime. He hasn’t made any violations.”

Anyone with additional information, concerns, or questions is asked to call Whitman police at 781-447-1212.