Delaware County, PA Coach Guilty of Sexual Abuse of a Student

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A Delaware County Christian school coach has pled guilty to sexual abuse of a student. The former coach previously worked at the private school, Delaware County Christian School, which is located in Newtown Square. Newtown Square is roughly 15 miles outside of Philadelphia.

Related: School, Teacher Sex Abuse & Assault – An Ongoing Problem

According to an online news report, the sexual contact between the former coach and the student began in 2011 and continued until early 2013. The student was 16 when the contact began. Over the course of the 2 years, the student expressed confusion about the sexual contact. Finally in 2013, the student’s parents discovered a phone which was provided by the coach and contacted law enforcement. Source: www.delcotimes.com, Former softball coach pleads guilty to felony for relationship with player

Back in February, the former athletic coach pled guilty to one count of institutional sexual abuse. As part of the plea agreement, another charge of institutional sex abuse and several counts of corruption of minors were dismissed.

Related: Perpetuating Teacher-Student Sex Abuse in Schools

On May 6, the coach was sentenced to the following:

  • 3-23 months of confinement,
  • 3 years of probation, and
  • Megan’s Law (sex offender) registration for 25 years.

Teachers Cannot Have “Affairs” with Students

There have been multiple online media news reports about this recent case. Some reports refer to “the affair” between the coach and the student. Such characterizations are entirely inappropriate and minimize the seriousness of the issue. The reality is that school aged children are emotionally and mentally unable to consent to a “relationship” or “affair” with a teacher, coach or any other individual in a position of authority.

Many teenagers simply do not realize they are being groomed for “sexual relationships.” Teenagers who are going through major emotional and physical changes are entirely unprepared for adult-like contact with their sexual abusers. In a very real sense, teacher/coach sexual contact with a student is akin to sexual contact with someone who cannot fully appreciate the conduct and therefore give true consent. In addition, once the “relationship” begins, the student often feels unable to end the relationship. This creates a naturally coercive nature to the “relationship.”

Related: Parents Alert: Sexual Abusers Often Give Victims Drugs & Alcohol

Brian Kent – Former Sex Crimes Unit Prosecutor

If you’d like a free case evaluation regarding a teacher-student sex abuse case, please call Click To Call.

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