Wyandanch teacher reassigned after two arrests

A physical education teacher who coached boys varsity soccer in the Wyandanch school district has been placed on administrative reassignment after being arrested twice this year, the district superintendent said Tuesday.

Suffolk police arrested James P. Bopp, 38, of North Babylon, on Oct. 2 on a felony charge of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon -- a loaded firearm -- according to court records. The county police arrested him March 15 on a charge of criminal possession of a controlled substance, a misdemeanor, the records show.

Bopp pleaded not guilty to both charges, said his lawyer, Joe Cozzo of Central Islip.

Police referred questions to the Suffolk County district attorney's office. The office was closed for Election Day, and a spokesman did not return calls or emails.

Superintendent Pless Dickerson said Bopp was on administrative reassignment and currently has no contact with students. He declined to comment further.

Athletic director Ken McCloud also said Bopp has been removed from working with kids. He did not comment further.

Bopp earned $83,742 in the 2011-12 school year and has been a district employee since April 2006, according to state records.

His next court appearance is scheduled for Nov. 18.