James D. Van Valkinburgh
Posted by: Webmaster in Church Schools, Hall of Shame, High Schools, ME-FV, New York, Social Studies(10/27/07 - Initial BBT Report)
James D. Van Valkinburgh, 42, a former social studies at Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart in Eggertsville, New York has been arrested on charges of raping a student of the all-girls school.
Reportedly Valkinburgh, who worked at the school for about nine years, is facing seven counts of third-degree rape (statutory rape), one count of endangering the welfare of a child and one count of third-degree sexual abuse.
Media reports indicate that Valkinburgh recently left the employ of the school, however there has of yet been no explanation of his departure.
Authorities have not as of yet released any information on the victim nor on what drew police attention to Valkinburgh.
News reports indicate that Valkinburgh, who is reportedly married with two children, is being held in the Amherst Police lockup and will be arraigned in Amherst Town Court today.
Update 10/29/07:
It is being reported James Van Valkinburgh came to the attention of school officials when another teacher came forward with concerns that he was spending too much time with one student. As a result the school started its own investigation and began monitoring Van Valkinburgh’s whereabouts.
When he was seen off school property in the company of the girl he was suspended, the police called and he was subsequently fired from Sacred Heart where he had reportedly worked for 12 years.
Police are saying that Van Valkinburgh had sex with the 16-year-old student in his car in the Best Buy and Wal-Mart parking lots in Williamsville and at a private residence in Amherst. Allegedly the sexual encounters took place between September 15 and October 21.
Update 11/01/07:
A felony hearing has been waived and Van Valkinburgh’s case will be heard by a grand jury.
Van Valkinburgh is being held on $100,000 bail.
1/17/08 - Arraignment
James D. Van Valkinburgh today entered a not guilty plea at his arraignment on eight counts of third-degree rape, two counts of third degree sexual abuse and one count of child endangerment.
Prosecutors warned Van Valkinburgh that he faces a possible 32-year prison sentence if convicted.
Van Valkinburgh is currently free on $50,000 bond.
3/10/08 - Guilty Plea
James Valkinburgh today pleaded guilty to three of the eight statutory rape charges.
Valkinburgh admitted having sex with the 16-year-old victim on September 15, September 30 and October 21 of last year.
Valkinburgh faces up to 12 years in prison at sentencing May 19th.
05/21/08 - Sentencing
James Van Valkinburgh has been sentenced to a prison term of three to nine years by a judge that called him “despicable”.
Van Valkinburgh apologized to the victim, her family and his family and asked for a chance to redeem himself.
The girl’s father called Van Valkinburgh the “monster who brutally violated my daughter.”
Both the victim and her bother asked for a harsh prison sentence for Van Valkinburgh.
References:
Former Sacred Heart teacher sentenced to prison in sex-with-student case (05/21/08)
Former Sacred Heart teacher pleads guilty to sex charges (3/10/08)
Former teacher could get 32 years if convicted of sex with student (1/17/08)
Former Teacher Accused of Rape Appears in Court
Catholic school teacher faces sex charges (10/29/07)
Fired Sacred Heart Teacher Accused of Sex with Student (10/28/07)
Former Sacred Heart teacher charged with rape of student (10/27/07)
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Entries (RSS)
May 26th, 2008 at 9:39 am
First of all, I am not defending “Mr. V” (as everyone enjoys calling him) in any way, shape or form. However, I think the student is just as much at fault. It’s clear that she consented and was not forced into anything. Therefore, it is absurd that her family is putting all the blame on him and that she gets off without any form of punishment. Just because she’s underage doesn’t mean that she was unaware of what she was partaking in. Afterall, much younger kids who commit much worse crimes are oftentimes tried and convicted in the same manner as adults.
January 25th, 2008 at 3:41 pm
He is just pathetic. End of story. Pray all you people want. Pathetic GROWN man.
January 21st, 2008 at 1:17 pm
32 years would never be enough for this scumbag!
November 5th, 2007 at 8:13 am
God Bless Mr. V.’s family. My prayers go out to them! I think about them often, I even wake up during the night with them on my mind. I pray that Mrs. V. can remain strong with the help of her family and can get through this awful process quickly.
November 4th, 2007 at 1:15 pm
The teacher’s family is devastated and embarrassed. His wife is an amazing woman and this is an awful thing for their family. Luckily, they are a strong and supportive bunch.
November 3rd, 2007 at 1:28 pm
Does anyone know how the girl’s week back at school has been? Is everyone supporting her? It must be very difficult for her and awkward for the students and teachers. Also, does anyone know the teacher’s family? I wonder are they are doing? Very sad for everyone!
November 3rd, 2007 at 12:58 pm
Well it’s settled then. We all agree that this is awful. This is shameful. But at least they got caught. He’ll pay his own way as well she.
November 2nd, 2007 at 8:09 pm
I’m certainly not defending his actions! I am disgusted by them. But I am also disgusted by her actions! He has more to lose than she does. And it has already begun.
November 2nd, 2007 at 7:30 am
I do NOT know of any previous sexual events. I do know that at 16 girls are vulnerable but at least know the difference between right and wrong. I don’t think that he is “ok” for doing this with ONE person. While MULTIPLE sexual encounters is awful, ONE time is ALL that is needed for him to be wrong. It might make it seem worse if there were more girls - but ONCE is all it takes to be wrong.
Moreover, as to “Stop the women hating!!! It’s unbecoming of you all.”, nothing in my post is hatful of women. I am not directing any anger at the girl. She knew better - but HE is in the wrong here. I am not “women hating”. I am, however, pointing out that although SHE is the victim - she is part of this event. She is responsible for her own actions. She is a child though. And HE knew better. As the adult - he is to blame.
This school will move forward and life will move on. Sad that this ever happened. Sadder still that people can defend is actions. If it was YOUR child, YOUR sister - does that make a difference? What if he was YOUR husband or the father of your boys? Sad that we have to ask those questions to get the real answer.
November 1st, 2007 at 7:56 pm
Yes we do have high expectations of young women at SHA. The school does a fine job of teaching “empowering women”. What makes you think that these are “women hating” postings?? Deleted by webmaster