CT theatre director arrested after admitting to sexually abusing teens

by Chris Peterson, OnStage Blog Founder

TW: Details of sexual assault

A former theatre director in Connecticut has been arrested after being charged with sexual assault after admitting to abusing multiple teenage girls. The arrest comes after the allegations were made public over three years ago.

Daniel Checovetes, was charged by Southington police with three counts of second-degree sexual assault. The incidents occurred in 2015 and 2016. The incidents included everything from inappropriate texting and emails to unwanted kissing and touching to rape. The incidents occurred not only in Mr. Checovetes’ home but also in his car and at the theatres where he worked.

Mr. Checovetes admitted he abused the teens during a deposition for a lawsuit that the young women had filed against him and the theatres for negligence for not doing anything to prevent sexual abuse from happening nor having any policies to protect minors while on their premises.

The theatres are Naugatuck Teen Theater, the Landmark Community Theatre, the Warner Theatre, and the Thomaston Opera House. The theaters have denied the allegations, and the case is scheduled for trial in October 2024.

Mr. Checovetes had previously denied the allegations to the police. According to local news, the victims’ lawyer was shocked that he admitted to the abuse in the deposition.

“As a practicing attorney for over 30 years who handles sex abuse cases for minor victims, it is highly unusual for a perpetrator to admit to having sexual relations with minors- usually they deny it or plead the Fifth," Jason Tremont said.

This arrest marks a turn in the case, which has been nothing short of a long journey for the victims. When the allegations first came out in Jan 2020, I remember there were many posts on social media condemning Checovetes and plenty that defended him. I also remember multiple posts that victim-blamed the young women who came forward.

With his arrest and admission of guilt, I’m interested to see the reaction now.

But what I also found disturbing was that while allegations against Mr. Checovetes had been made public, he was still able to work on theatre productions, including those with teenagers.

Just last fall, he was brought in to work on lighting for a high school production. The school defended itself by saying he wasn’t present in the building while students were there. I’m told that when locals, including an alleged victim, tried to bring this issue up at a school board meeting, they were quickly silenced.

I’m happy that he has been formally charged, and I hope the victims are taking the news well. While the case isn’t closed, I hope it gives them some peace of mind that justice is coming for Daniel Checovetes.

Related posts:

Questions Raised After CT Community Theaters Sued Over Sexual Abuse Allegations

Sexual Abuser of Teenage Girls allowed to work on High School Production