Former CT middle school teacher convicted of child sex abuse over course of more than 10 years, possession of child porn

A former middle school teacher in Danbury has been convicted of sexually abusing two children, including one who was subjected to the abuse for over a decade.

Kenneth Gardner, 53, was found guilty Monday by a jury following a trial in Danbury Superior Court, according to the state Division of Criminal Justice.

Gardner was found guilty on three counts of first-degree sexual assault, five counts of illegal sexual contact and single count each of attempt to commit first-degree sexual assault, conspiracy to commit third-degree sexual assault and possession of child pornography, judicial officials said.

Danbury police began investigating Gardner in September 2021 after receiving the report that he had sexually abused a person “on an almost daily basis” from the time they were 4 years old until they turned 18, according to the Division of Criminal Justice. While police were investigating, another victim came forward and said they were sexually abused by Gardner when they were a teenager.

During the trial, state prosecutors also showed that Gardner was in possession of an electronic device that had more than 65 images of child pornography on it, judicial officials said.

Gardner formerly worked as a teacher at the Broadview Middle School in Danbury, though he resigned during the police investigation. Neither of the victims was a student of his.

Gardner’s wife, Lisa Gardner, is also expected to go to trial on charges of first-degree sexual assault, conspiracy to commit first-degree sexual assault and illegal sexual contact. Police allege she played a role at one point in Gardner’s abuse of one of the victims.

Lisa Gardner is being held on a $300,000 bond while she awaits a trial.

Kenneth Gardner is being held on a $1.5 million bond while he awaits sentencing, which has been scheduled for Nov. 21.