HomeCrimeTeacher accused of sexually assaulting girls gets probation

Teacher accused of sexually assaulting girls gets probation

James Eschert appears in a booking photo

Former fourth-grade teacher James Eschert. (Plymouth, Connecticut Police Department)

A now-former Connecticut elementary school teacher reached an agreement with prosecutors to avoid what could have been a substantial prison sentence over allegations that he inappropriately touched numerous girls who were his students over several years.

On Tuesday, James Eschert, 53, received a suspended sentence in New Britain Superior Court after accepting legal culpability on one count of risk of injury to a minor, a felony. He was previously charged with five such counts as well as two misdemeanor counts of sexual assault in the fourth degree — and could have been sentenced to well over 50 years behind bars if he had been convicted as charged.

The disgraced ex-teacher did not, however, plead guilty or no contest, but rather, entered an Alford plea — in which a defendant maintains his innocence but concedes the state has enough evidence to convict.

RELATED ARTICLES
- Advertisment -

Most Popular

- Advertisment -
Share on Social Media