The lawyer for a former Frederick kindergarten teacher says his client is innocent of charges he sexually abused a student last school year. Attorney Thomas Pavlinic said Thursday that 31-year-old Matthew Berresford of East Berlin, Pa., steadfastly denies the allegations. Assistant Frederick County State's Attorney Tammy Leache says Berresford was accused of molesting a 5-year-old boy. Frederick County public schools spokeswoman Marita Loose said Berresford took a paid leave of absence from North Frederick Elementary School in July after the student's parents reported inappropriate behavior. She said his employment ended Dec. 21 as the result of an internal investigation.

- Associated Press