A former CT high school theatre tech director arrested was arrested for sexually abusing a student. Now that student is speaking out

TW: The following story discusses the sexual abuse of a minor.

On December 11, 2019, police arrested Joshua Berman on charges of second-degree sexual assault.

His accuser, a former theatre student of Berman’s who said he sexually abused her on multiple occasions starting when she was 15-years-old. Berman, at the time, was working as the theatre technical director at Newington High School in Newington, CT.

Now, his victim has not only come forward publicly with her allegations but also details how high school officials mishandled her claims.

When word came out that Joshua Berman was facing sexual assault charges, Marissa Michaels decided that it was the right time to tell her story.

The NHS alum posted a blog where she accuses Berman of molesting her and that the incidents occurred within the walls of the school. According to arrest records, the crimes occurred in September of 2014 and February of 2016.

But more than that, the now 21-year-old Michaels accuses school officials of doing little to nothing to help.

“You chose to ignore the car rides home from him, being caught sitting in a dark auditorium and many parents’ suspicions being brought directly to you, she states. “For four years you ignored a silent scream for help.”

According to reports, Joshua Berman worked at Newington High School from 2011-2016.

Less than a year after the second alleged crime took place in Feb 2016, Berman is listed as working as technical director at another CT high school, Simsbury High School, just fifteen miles north from NHS.

Later that year, he would work with the Theatre Guild of Simsbury, building the set for their production of Sister Act.

After he was arrested, Berman was released on bail after pleading not guilty. He is currently awaiting trial.

School officials at Newington High School have not released a statement regarding his arrest, neither have Simsbury High School.

However, after Michaels published her blog, she was contacted by Newington School’s Superintendent Dr. Maureen L. Brummett. According to Michaels, when addressing her accusations that the school did nothing, Dr. Brummett said that a report had been filled out by an assistant principal that said they had met with Michaels and Berman regarding the issue.

But Michaels says that the report is false because she states that meeting never took place.

“That’s an absolute lie, she said in an update on her blog. “Here’s the thing about that: if I was interviewed, which I was NOT, then legally a 136 form would have been filed. There is no 136 report whatsoever.”

According to the CT Department of Children and Families, a 136 form must be submitted within 48 hours of the abuse being reported.

Michaels ended her blog with a shot directed at NHS school officials.

“I left the depths of hell so I could come back to stand here and tell everyone about it. I hope one day you can acknowledge your lack of action against survivors, a label that you allowed to permanently be branded to my existence.”

This is a developing story and we will update it as new information becomes available.