(06/02/09 – Initial BadBadTeacher.com Report)

John O. Thompson, 26, a social studies teacher at Sussex Central High School in Georgetown, Delaware has reportedly been arrested on allegations of having a sexual relationship with a 10th-grade student.

Thompson was reportedly arrested at the school today and charged with one count each of first degree rape and unlawful sexual contact.

Thompson came to the attention of authorities when two students came forward telling school administrators of the alleged improper relationship between Thompson and the student.

Investigators allege that the sexual assault occurred at Thompson’s residence and also allege that evidence indicates that inappropriate contact took place while the victim and Thompson were in his car.

Thompson was arraigned and his bail was set at $5,500 secured.

Christopher J. Lehto, 34, of Felton, Delaware, an art teacher at Star Hill Elementary School has been arrested on allegations that he carried on a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old high school student who was at one time a student of Lehto’s.

Detectives became aware of the relationship when a friend of the victim told her mother and the mother contacted state police.

According to a police spokesman Lehto and the student engaged in sexual activity while parked in the parking lot of the Camden Wal-Mart.

Police also say that the victim confirmed that the two had sex on the Wal-Mart parking lot having previously had lunch together.

07/29/08 – Charges Dismissed

We have heard from multiple independent sources that all charges against Christopher J. Lehto were dismissed on the basis that no crime was committed. We have searched extensively and can find no references online to such a dismissal. However, we are going with the best information we have available and that is that the charges were dismissed. – Webmaster

12/03/08 – Supreme Court Upholds Dismissal

The Delaware Supreme Court has upheld the dismissal of Christopher J. Lehto who lost his job because of a sexual relationship with a former student.

Lehto maintained that it was wrong to terminate him for immorality because the rape charge was dismissed and all of his teaching evaluations had been positive. Lehto based his contention on the fact that the rape charge was dismissed because the Department of Justice determined that he was not in a position of trust or authority over the girl, who attended high school in another district, and that she was of legal age to consent to a sexual relationship.

Webmaster’s note: And now we know more of the story…

Reference:

Delware court upholds sex dismissal of teacher (12/03/08)

Del. elem. teacher arrested for sex with ex-student, 17

(05/05/08 – Initial BBT Report)

Dana I. Goodman, 38, principal of Sussex Central High School in Georgetown, Delaware has been arrested and charged with numerous counts alleging the rape and continual sexual abuse of a 17-year-old female student.

Following his arrest Goodman was being held in the Sussex Correctional Institution in lieu of $331,000 cash bail on 30 counts of fourth-degree rape and continual sexual abuse of a child.

Goodman came to the attention of authorities by way of an anonymous letter received by school officials on Thursday. The letter indicated that Goodman and the alleged victim were seen together in various locations and not on school business.

When Goodman arrived at the school Friday morning he was met by police who questioned him and subsequently transported him to jail.

Police say that the sexual contact, which was consensual, began in the early part of January and that the last contact was approximately a week ago. Reportedly the alleged incidents occurred at various locations in Kent and Sussex counties, including in Goodman’s vehicle and various motels.

Goodman who has been the principal of Susses Central High School for the past two years has been suspended without pay, pending further action by the school board.

11/15/08 – Sentencing

Dana Goodman, who on September 3rd pleaded guilty to two counts of fourth-degree rape and one count each of endangering the welfare of a child and official misconduct has been sentenced.

Goodman clutching a Bible and speaking of his renewed Christian faith and saying “I made a mistake, and I’m truly sorry.” was sentenced to 15 years in prison, with all but four years suspended to be followed by six months of work release.

Goodman’s attorney had asked for probation or work release in light of Goodman’s educational background, lack of prior offenses and future potential.

References:

Former principal to serve 4 years (11/15/08)

Former Principal Pleads Guilty to Sex With Student (09/04/08)

School looks to return to normal (05/05/08)

Sussex Central High principal charged with rape of minor (05/03/08)

Sussex principal charged with rape (05/03/08)

GEORGETOWN: Sussex Central principal arrested (05/02/08)

Delaware principal facing sex charges (05/02/08)