Christopher Lehto
12-04-08

The state Supreme Court has upheld the dismissal of a Kent County teacher who lost his job because of a sexual relationship with a former student.

Christopher Lehto of Felton was charged with fourth-degree rape last year after authorities learned of his relationship with a 17-year-old high school student in another district. Lehto was an art teacher at Star Hill Elementary School at the time, and the alleged victim was a former student.

Lehto, 35, argued that the Caesar Rodney School District was wrong to terminate him for immorality because the rape charge was dismissed and all of his teaching evaluations had been positive.

Lehto contended 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.

According to court records, Lehto became reacquainted with his former student in December 2006 when she began to come to Star Hill to pick up a younger sibling. The relationship became sexual in nature a few months later. The girl subsequently told a friend about the relationship, and the friend's parent called state police.

Even though the rape charge had been dismissed, the school board concluded in August 2007 that Lehto's conduct constituted immorality, violated societal mores and was just cause for termination.

Delware court upholds sex dismissal of teacher (12/03/08)
Del. elem. teacher arrested for sex with ex-student, 17

Dana Goodman
11-16-08

A Disgraced former Sussex Central High School principal Dana I. Goodman headed to prison Friday to serve a 15-year term for having sex with a 17-year-old student.

Goodman, 38, broke down in tears before the court as he apologized for hurting the victim, her family and the community, describing himself as a changed man in the six months since his arrest.

“I made a horrible choice. ... I have no one to blame but myself,” he said, clutching a Bible and speaking of his renewed Christian faith. “I made a mistake, and I’m truly sorry.”

His attorney had asked for probation or work release in light of Goodman’s educational background, lack of prior offenses and future potential. Now living in Melrose Park, Pa., Goodman has gotten a job loading trucks for UPS and is an active member of his church, attorney Thomas Pedersen said.

Pedersen said the relationship was consensual, and but for a few months would have been legal. “This was a genuine love affair,” he said.

Goodman was accompanied in court by members of his family — his grandparents, wife and mother, who asked the judge to be merciful.

Former principal to serve 4 years (11/15/08)
Former Principal Pleads Guilty to Sex With Student (09/04/08)

Jason W. Stalnaker
01-10-08

Jason Stalnaker has pleaded guilty to a single count of second-degree rape and two counts of fourth-degree rape. Stalnaker was sentenced to 17 years in prison to be followed by 2 years of work release and 4 years of probation.

Stalnaker must serve 10 years in prison before he can be considered for release. At the hearing the victim told the court, “I don’t like to be touched, not even hugged. I live in fear every day that he will kill me and my family if he’s ever free again”.

Regarding Stalnaker’s crimes the judge said, “From my review of this case this really has been about as despicable behavior as can be imagined”. Stalnaker begged for forgiveness and his father begged for leniency for his son.

Man sentenced to 17 years for raping his teen student (09/12/08)
Fmr. teacher faces 295 sex crime counts (1/10/08)

William Eiseman
06-16-08

A former Delaware teacher and coach convicted of having a sexual relationship with a student was granted early release from a two-year sentence this morning.

William Eiseman, 28, a former teacher at Rutherford B. Hayes High School, filed a motion last month in Delaware County Common Pleas Court asking to be released. During a court hearing this morning, he told Judge Everett H. Krueger that he’s worked hard on his rehabilitation and that he regrets his actions.

“This is particularly important to me because of the offense and the circumstances of this case,” Eiseman said. “There are no days I have not regretted the actions that I took that led to my incarceration.

Ex-teacher released early after sex conviction (06/16/08)
Sex offender drops plea for early release (12/21/07)
Ex-teacher who had sex with student seeks early release (10/16/07)
Decision delayed on early release for ex-teacher (10/15/07

Frank A. Smith
03-07-08

A 58-year-old veteran Newark High School teacher and track coach has been placed on administrative leave following his arrest for allegedly making inappropriate sexual remarks to a 17-year-old student working at a fast food restaurant in Claymont.

Frank A. Smith, of Wilmington, was released on $500 unsecured bail after being charged Thursday night with one misdemeanor count of sexual harassment.

State police spokesman Cpl. Jeff Whitmarsh said troopers were alerted by the mother of the victim about 6:30 p.m. Saturday that Smith had allegedly sexually harassed her daughter while she was working her shift at the Burger King at 2911 Philadelphia Pike.

Whitmarsh said the teen was assigned to the drive-through window along with her manager, when a customer, later identified as Smith, drove through and asked if the teen was working and available to take his order.

Newark High teacher charged with sexual harrassment (3/07/08)

Kathleen Palmer
02-26-08

A former Centennial High softball coach was rearrested Monday night after officials said she violated the terms of her probation. Lauren Kathleen Palmer, 23, had previously pleaded guilty to felony injury of a child after she was accused of improperly touching a 16-year-old student last April.

Palmer was booked into the Ada County jail Monday night.

Her probation violation hearing was rescheduled for Monday at 9:30 a.m. She will be arraigned the same day at 1:30 p.m.

Her case will be handled by the Gem County Prosecutor's Office because of a conflict of interest. Palmer has an immediate relative who works in the criminal justice system, requiring the case to be sent elsewhere for prosecution.

Del. Teacher Charged With Rape Of Former Student (02/26/08)