A longtime science teacher and basketball coach in the St. Louis, Missouri, area is the subject of multiple investigations for alleged sexual abuse during his time at two local high schools. The man has not been charged with a crime, but in light of other high-profile sexual abuse cases that have garnered national attention, police are taking a close look at allegations that are just now being brought forward.
The man was employed for about 30 years by DeSmet and Francis Howell high schools. He retired in 2000, and a police report had been filed in St. Louis County in 1998 that included explicit details of alleged abuse against two teenage boys; however, no charges were filed in connection with the report.
Although 15 alleged victims have come forward in recent weeks, it may be that charges will not be brought this time either. The statute of limitations has changed multiple times in the last several years, and the law applies at the time an alleged incident occurred. For example, in the 1970s, an alleged victim had three years to press charges from the time of an incident. That has evolved to this year, where the law was changed so that someone could still be prosecuted within 30 years of the 18th birthday of the person who reported the abuse.
Regardless of if the man is criminally prosecuted or not, damage to his reputation has been done and the stigma of being associated with the allegations will continue to fester. A qualified attorney would be able to ensure that the man’s rights are protected, if and when he has his day in court.
Source: KMOV.com, “Sex abuse allegations mount against local retired teacher, coach,” Maggie Crane, Dec. 19, 2011
