A Hillhouse High School assistant principal turned himself in for arrest on Monday night after police issued a warrant alleging that he sexually assaulted an underage student on two occasions during school hours.
The school district had placed the assistant principal, Daniel Bonet, on administrative leave on Tuesday, May 26, as he faced investigations from both the New Haven Police Department and the state Department of Children and Families.
According to a statement from the NHPD on Tuesday, the police department received a call about the allegations four days prior, on Friday, May 22, which preceded Memorial Day Weekend.
Bonet, 49, is now facing charges of two counts of sexual assault in the second degree and two counts of sexual assault in the fourth degree. His bond has been set at $250,000.
According to the NHPD’s statement, the student “disclosed two separate allegations of sexual assault which occurred on consecutive days in Bonet’s office after he arranged to be alone with her while school was in session.”
Detective Mariah Miller of the Special Victim Unit “was able to corroborate the victim’s account with video surveillance from the school which corroborated her accounts” as well as “statements with witnesses and staff members,” according to the statement.
Bonet did not respond to a request for comment in time for the publication of this story.
His lawyer, Don Cretella, wrote in an email to the Independent, “I was in court today, representing Mr. Bonet at his arraignment. Unfortunately, the court did not lower his bond and it remained as set at the police department at 250,000 Mr. Bonet is attempting to make bail.”
“I just received a copy of the warrant and have not had a chance to thoroughly review it,” Cretella wrote. “Once I do, Mr. Bonet and I will begin his defense.”
“At this point, we have no indication” of allegations that Bonet assaulted other students, said NHPD spokesperson Officer Christian Bruckhart — “not to say that there are no other victims, but at this point we only know of one.”
Hillhouse Principal Antoine Billy sent a letter to families affiliated with the high school on Tuesday announcing that a warrant for Bonet’s arrest had been issued.
NHPS spokesperson Justin Harmon wrote in a statement that, “We are working with our school social workers and specialized staff to support our students and staff. JHHS [James Hillhouse High School] and NHPS are committed to maintaining a healthy and supportive school community. Support is available for any students and staff who need it.”
“Nothing is more important than the safety of our students,” Harmon wrote. “Hillhouse families with questions or concerns have been invited to reach out to the school.”
Harmon said that Bonet continues to be on paid administrative leave. “We always put people on paid administrative leave when an allegation is made,” Harmon said. “What will happen next is currently being worked out.”
Mayor Justin Elicker said in a statement on Tuesday that “the allegations of sexual assault and the arrest of this school administrator are extremely disturbing and rightfully shock the conscience of every student, parent and educator at the Hillhouse High School community. Our schools must always be safe and supportive places where our students can learn, grow and thrive.”
“This individual will be held accountable for their actions to the fullest extent of the law,” Elicker wrote, “and New Haven Public Schools will be there to support this student and the larger school community during this difficult time.”
This is not the first time Bonet has been placed on leave while helming a New Haven public school. In January 2019, he was placed on temporary leave from his role as principal of John C. Daniels School due to allegations of staff harassment and non-compliance with DCF reporting mandates, allegations he denied. When Bonet was cleared to return to work, he was transferred to the assistant principal role at Hillhouse in August 2019.
The RAINN National Sexual Assault hotline provides resources for teens and families about how to recognize grooming and child sexual assault, and about how to support loved ones and community members through those experiences. The hotline is available 24/7 for survivors and loved ones who want to speak to a trained listener. Call (800) 656-HOPE or text HOPE to 64673.
This story was first published Sept. 15, 2026 by New Haven Independent.