A Western Hills Middle School science teacher has been accused of sexually assaulting a teenage boy more than a decade ago.

Matthew Sheridan, 48, of 32 Marion Ave., was indicted and arrested May 11 on counts of first- and second-degree sexually assault.

He was arraigned the next day and pleaded not guilty. He was released on $50,000 bail with surety, and ordered to have no contact with the victim and no unsupervised contact with children. His next court appearance is scheduled for July 20.

According to authorities, the alleged sexual assaults took place in Cranston between June 2003 and July 2004. The teen – who is described as someone known to Sheridan – was 15 and 16 years old at the time, and first reported the allegations to Rhode Island State Police.

Through a statement, Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin said state police “concluded the assault was not connected to Sheridan’s role as a school teacher and no other victims have been identified at this time.”

Sheridan’s attorney, John E. MacDonald, issued a statement to the media denying the charges against his client.

“The accusation, from a former neighbor and roommate, is over a decade old, is inconsistent with the known facts and completely contrary to his character and reputation as a dedicated teacher and educator,” the statement reads.

Raymond Votto, chief operating officer for Cranston Public Schools, confirmed Sheridan has been placed on paid administrative leave. He declined further comment.

Sheridan has worked in Cranston’s schools since 2004, and previously taught at Park View Middle School and Arlington Elementary School. He formerly served as a member of the Cranston Teachers’ Alliance executive board.

Sheridan