ENFIELD, Conn. (WWLP) - A Springfield police officer has been suspended after being charged with sexually assaulting a minor in Connecticut on Tuesday following a 2024 investigation. In a news release from the Springfield Police Department, 27-year-old Justin Perez was originally assigned to admi nistrative duties without a firearm pending the investigation. On Tuesday, Perez was arrested, and Springfield Police Superintendent Lawrence E. Akers suspended him for five days without pay, the maximum allowed under Civil Service Law without a hearing. Perez has been a police officer since June 2022. Connecticut State Police said that in October 2024, Perez served as an assistant athletic coach at Somers High School and allegedly engaged in inappropriate contact with a juvenile student. Driver saved from Turners Falls ravine, taken to hospital The student disclosed that Perez was allegedly engaging in inappropriate phone and social media contact with her, inappropriate content during practice sessions, and other unwanted sexual advances. (Connecticut State Police) On Tuesday at approximately 12:08 p.m., officers located Perez in Enfield and conducted a traffic stop on his vehicle. He was arrested due to his active warrant and turned over to the State Police. Justin Perez was charged with: Criminal Attempt - Risk of Injury to a Minor Risk of Injury to a Minor Criminal Attempt - Sexual Assault 2nd Degree Sexual Assault 4th Degree Enticing a Minor Under 18 by Computer Perez was released on a $100,000 court-set bond and was scheduled to be arraigned at Rockville Superior Court on Wednesday. The Board of Police Commissioners and the POST Commission have all been notified. The Springfield Police Internal Investigations Unit and Connecticut investigators have been in contact in connection with the allegations since October. On Wednesday, Somers Public Schools Superintendent Sam Galloway issued the following statement to the school community: "I am writing to inform you about a difficult situation involving a former volunteer coach. We recently learned that Justin Perez, a volunteer coach at Somers High School, was arrested for alleged inappropriate conduct involving a student. The safety and well-being of our students are our top priorities, and we take this matter extremely seriously. As soon as we became aware of the allegations, the district followed all established protocols, immediately placing the individual on administrative leave and notifying the appropriate authorities. Throughout this process, we have fully cooperated with law enforcement and other investigative agencies. We understand that news like this is deeply troubling to our students, families, and staff. We assure you that support is available. School counselors and additional resources will be provided for any student needing assistance processing this situation. If your child would benefit from speaking with a counselor, please contact the school administration or the counseling office. We are committed to maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment for all students and will continue to take every necessary step to protect them. While we recognize the community's concerns, we must also respect the ongoing legal process and the privacy of those involved. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding during this time. Thank you for your continued support of our schools and students." Superintendent Sam Galloway Local News Headlines Nas joins Boston Pops at Tanglewood this summer Free jail calls stressing sheriffs’ budgets, staff 14 drivers arrested for OUI during sobriety checkpoint by Massachusetts State Police last week Massachusetts spring turkey hunting season starts this month: Licenses, permits, safety tips WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. ...read more read less