Boston dance teacher accused of sexually assaulting young student

A 19-year-old dance teacher accused of indecently assaulting his young studenthas been held without bail.

Wilson Anthony, 19, faces charges for allegedly assaulting a boy under the age of 14 several times last summer while the child was taking private lessons from him in Anthony’s apartment on Canal Street in the North End, according to the Suffolk district attorney’s office.

The victim and his family reported the alleged crimes on Sunday, prosecutors said.

Anthony, who is charged with two counts each of aggravated rape of a child and indecent assault and battery on a child,will remain in custody until his next hearing Wednesday, March 16.

“As a parent, it’s always concerning and frightening to hear about cases such as this, where a trusted adult is accused of abusing a child,” District Attorney Dan Conley said in a statement. “I would ask any parent or caregiver to reassure your children that they can talk to you about anything, especially anything that might make them afraid or uncomfortable. We want kids to know that they will be supported and won’t get in trouble for telling the truth, but not to feel pressured to disclose abuse. Listen carefully to your children, and notify authorities if anything they say causes concern.”

Conley’s office invited those who want to report child abuse to call the DA’s Child Protection Unit at 617-619-4300 or the Crimes Against Children Unit of the Boston Police Department at 617-343-6183.