Apr 15, 2021
A principal in the Hilton Central School District is charged with sexually abusing nine male students. Kirk Ashton, principal of Northwood Elementary, is facing several counts of endangering the welfare of a child and first-degree sexual abuse charges. Ashton was arrested at a restaurant Wednesday night and is being held in jail on $500,000 bail or $2.5 million bond. He pleaded not guilty. New York State Police say at the time of the alleged abuse, the nine victims were elementary students between the ages of nine and 12. Orders of protection have been issued for eight of them. One parent declined due to privacy concerns. The alleged abuse took place at the school and could go back decades. State Police say more victims are possible. Anyone with information to call State Police.