A former coach at St. Margaret Mary Catholic School has been charged with
aggravated sexual assault of one of his young students from when he worked
as a physical education teacher at the school in Bexar County. According
to court records, the school fired the defendant, J.D., early last fall
after reports of an inappropriate romantic relationship with a female
student were brought to the surface. J.D. has been indicted by the county
court on two counts of aggravated sexual assault and set bail at $75,000.
Former Coach Faces Life in Prison
The Catholic school requires a criminal background check for all teachers,
which the defendant had passed prior to being hiring. When reports were
made of the assault, the school forwarded the reports to Child Protective
Services and San Antonio police. J.D. was dismissed from his position
as a result and was arrested for the charged crimes on Wednesday morning.
Under Texas law, the former coach can face life in prison if found guilty
of the two first-degree felony charges. The hearing date for the trial
has not yet been released but J.D. is subject to civil cases by the families
of the two young girls, who were both under the age of 14, after the criminal
trial has concluded.
Penalties for Sexual Assault in Texas
Texas law is very strict on any sexual conduct that harms children physically
or emotionally. Conviction of these crimes carries severe penalties which
can include significant fines,
offender registration, and up to 99 years in prison. Harsher penalties may be given to repeat
offenders of
child sexual assault. It is essential to anyone who is facing charges such as these to hire
a criminal defense attorney immediately. Being accused of a crime as serious
as sexual assault on a minor can be very frightening and a criminal lawyer
with the skills and experience required to defend you can increase your
chances for the success of your case. If you are facing such charges,
The Law Office of John J. Fox would like to be your advocate and fight
for your best interest.
Contact a criminal attorney in San Antonio today to learn more and receive a free consultation.