All criminal accusations deserve an investigation. However, anyone can accuse another person of an illegal act. As a result, there must be sufficient evidence to prove a person’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Although a Missouri teacher has recently been accused of sexual assault, it is unclear what evidence supports the charges against the man.
The alleged incident that reportedly led to the charges against the 29-year-old man reportedly happened at his apartment. Police claim that he gave a male student alcohol. The student reportedly passed out after consuming it. While unconscious, police say that he sexually assault the student.
In addition to the assault, police say that the teacher tampered with the victim. The teacher reportedly told the alleged victim that he would kill himself if the student reported the incident. Police have since charged him with tampering with a victim in a felony prosecution and first-degree sodomy. He has since been suspended from his job as a choir teacher.
The sexual assault accusations against the teacher are serious, and a conviction will likely have serious ramifications on the rest of the man’s personal and professional life. However, it is unclear how police became aware of the alleged incident or if there is any evidence to support the accusations other than the word of the student. In order to ensure that he is treated lawfully as he makes his way through them criminal justice system in Missouri, he may choose to hire a defense attorney with experience with such cases who can both recognize and appropriately address unlawful treatment.
Source: columbiatribune.com, “Teacher accused of sexually attacking student”, April 9, 2017