Police: Bethpage HS teacher accused of having sexual contact with underage girl

Police say a former Bethpage High School teacher is accused of having sexual contact with an underage female student.
They say 28-year-old Joseph Gallagher, of Smithtown, was arrested Wednesday.
Detectives say the school was notified of a possible incident and contacted police.
According to court records, the incident occurred on June 5 and Gallagher was arrested two weeks later. Records show that an order of protection was issued in the case at Gallagher's bond was set at $15,000 at his arraignment in court.
The superintendent of Bethpage Schools says Gallagher is no longer employed by the district and said in a statement, "The health and safety of our students and staff is always our top priority. We immediately reported the incident to the local authorities and have been fully cooperating with them regarding this issue. Given that there is an ongoing investigation and privacy interests are involved, we won't be making any further comments at this time."
No one answered the door Saturday at the Smithtown addressed listed for the 28-year-old former teacher.
Gallagher is due back in court on July 12.
Investigators ask anyone who may have been a victim to contact them at 516-573-4022.