This summer, a Philadelphia area teacher was convicted of one count of Institutional Sex Assault of a Minor, a third degree felony. See Commonwealth v. Scott, CP-23-CR-0002235-2017 (Delaware County Court of Common Pleas).
According to a news report at www.usnews.com, Former Teacher Pleads Guilty to Sexual Abuse of Student (accessed September 28, 2017), the victim was a 16 year old student at a residential home/school for troubled girls. The home/school is located in the suburbs of Philadelphia.
Related News: ReJoyce Christian Pre-School in Hainesport, NJ Investigated for Child Sex Abuse (January 25, 2017 – A South NJ religious pre-school is under investigation after reports that a teacher’s aide sexually abused young children. Potential allegations date back to 2014.)
The teacher was arrested earlier this year and pled guilty to a sole count in July. She originally faced over 30 counts of the crime of Institutional Sex Assault and over 30 counts of Corruption of a Minor, a first degree misdemeanor. In exchange for the guilty plea to the one charge, all other charges were dismissed.
Judge Richard Cappelli sentenced the defendant to 3 months of home confinement with electronic monitoring, with a 5 year probation term which will begin immediately after the home confinement period.
The Problem of Sex Assault or Abuse Among Children and Teens with Mental Health or Behavioral Issues
Children and teens who struggle with mental health or behavioral issues are especially vulnerable to sexual assault and abuse by trusted adults, such as teachers, pastors/priests, mental health treatment providers and even medical professionals. Sexual predators specifically target victims who are loners and those who lack sufficient parental guidance, whether it’s in a group home setting or a one-on-one treatment setting.
More from the Pennsylvania Sex Assault Victims Law Library:
- Pennsylvania and New Jersey Statutes of Limitations in Sexual Abuse Cases [A discussion of the statute of limitations in civil lawsuits for sexual assault or abuse. Is your case too old to be filed?]
- Sex Assault Victims in Pennsylvania or New Jersey – What to Know About Your Civil Legal Rights [Learn about civil lawsuits in sex assault cases. Victims can obtain justice via the criminal or civil justice system, or both.]
- Montgomery County, Pennsylvania Teacher Arrested for Sex Abuse of Two Girls [A teacher in Montgomery County, PA was arrested and charged with sexual abuse of two young teens. The alleged conduct occurred at Springfield Township Middle School]