Sidwell Soc. Studies teacher and Sleep Away Camp Director Arrested for Sexual Abuse

[Anonymous]

There is a teacher at my temple who keeps a candy jar on his desk. I think that not all the kids know its there and that there is a small group of kids who come by for candy on a regular basis. Are you saying that makes him a pedophile?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There is a teacher at my temple who keeps a candy jar on his desk. I think that not all the kids know its there and that there is a small group of kids who come by for candy on a regular basis. Are you saying that makes him a pedophile?

That's just silly. I'm not the PP who posted about the candy dish, but of course any reasonable person would look at the totality of the circumstances, not just the candy dish.

[Anonymous]

The schools are already doing plenty to protect our kids from pedophiles. In theory, the teachers at places like Sidwell and STA, etc are really smart and will be able to evade any or all measures. I don't want paranoia infecting my kids educational experience. I have a kid at Sidwell, a kid who was taught by Peterson. He was the anomaly, not the rule. Rules can't cover every variance in human behavior. The schools should keep doing what they are doing and focus on education and a nurturing environment.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I believe in due process, and that's why I think Sidwell has so far handled this about as well as a school can. Especially the school where the President's daughters go. You have to let the authorities do their work. The man is cooperating and it looks like he will have his day in court. It is a horrible situation as this teacher was beloved by many. Due process is one of the many good things about our country and our way of life. At the same time, the school has a primary duty of care for the children who go there too. They must protect them and take reasonable steps to ensure the children are protected from harm.

Police background checks only go so far. But still necessary. Placing a teacher/staff on admin leave is the right thing to do under these kinds of circumstances, and banning him from contact. Then they did fire him when notified that the authorities were pursuing a case. Now if he is found innocent, the damage is indeed irreparable. His reputation (or anyone else's) is forever tinged by such an accusation.

But it looks like he is cooperating and will have his day in court, unlike the (spineless) Toth who fled and has to look over his shoulder wherever he goes the rest of his life.

If your son came home and told you that Petey has been having sex with him for the last few years, would you still believe in due process?

And what if you or better yet, your husband was accused of molesting the little boy who lives next door. The question is, would you want due process for yourself!!

Not exactly the same scenario. Obviously, you loved this guy. So does he have a track record of befriending both male and female students by inviting them to his home? Did he invite more than one child at a time to his home? Perhaps, his wife can collaborate that nothing happened as she was in the room with them or nearby during the accuser's visits.

I don't know the man. I will never know the man. I don't have a child at Sidwell, and more than likely never will. It is exactly the same scenario. It is called making an accuasation against someone of one of the most heinous crimes. It is called being judged without knowing any evidence at this point, only accusations. If you cannot see the parallel of accusing this man of child molestation and condemning without due process, and accusing you of child molestation and all your neighbors shying away from you without any due process or your day in court, there is simply nothing else to say. You just don't get it. It appears that for you, it will always be okay to condemn others because afterall it must be the right thing, but if it happens to you or a loved one then somehow it is DIFFERENT. Well it is not. I am not defending the teacher. He has an attorney for that. If he is found guilty, I am one of those crazy people who think his balls should be cut off, etc. etc. I know it is extreme and unimaginable. However, before you do something like that, you should make damn certain the person is guilty. I am all about protecting the children. I have one. You can protect the children and still give this man his due process.

Yes, the s.o.b. is guilty!

Not only should his balls be cut off, his hands too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

OP here

No I did not claim it doesn't happen elsewhere; but there have been posts on the public school forums from parents that want to go private to "avoid" issues. You can't avoid it, but you can always be aware, ask your kids questions and provide them guidance so a situation does not become problematic. You know they call it parenting.

And to 23:53 --- Actually there is not one living within 1.5 miles of our home but there are 4 that work night custodial duties at professional offices or are stockers at the local Giant. So I guess we did get what we paid for...

Your stupidity and illlogic is blazen. The Sidwell teacher and educator must moonlight as a custodial worker or stocker... as does your priest that receives your cleansing confessionals. I'm certain the sex offender in your neighborhood resides within your household.

"Blazen" is not a word. And so goes the rest of your drivel . . .

[Anonymous]

http://www.gazette.net/stories/09202010/montnew145000_32577.php

[Anonymous]

Disgusting... I wonder how many other boys or girls at Sidwell he might have touched who have kept quiet during this. How long was he at Sidwell for? What a great way to tarnish his legacy. Sidwell should be embarrassed

[Anonymous]

The other boys he molested were probably too afraid of his sterling Sidwell reputation. Too bad there wasn't any physical evidence. This monster's claim that he didn't want the trial to proceed because he didn't want the boy to have to testify really makes me sick.

He needs to be hung by his old balls.

[Anonymous]

Those who know nothing about the situation should not comment. None of the allegations are true.

[Anonymous]

Then why was he quoted as admitting it?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Those who know nothing about the situation should not comment. None of the allegations are true.

i cannot imagine any sane, innocent person not fighting such a charge tooth and nail. Would "you" plead guilty to a sex offense if you were innocent?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Those who know nothing about the situation should not comment. None of the allegations are true.

Troll, or a minority of one in their belief?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Those who know nothing about the situation should not comment. None of the allegations are true.

Really? So why would he plead guilty to molesting two boys.

What sane person would voluntarily be registered as a sex offender? What sane person would allow their reputation as a beloved teacher and decent community member to forever be tarnished without putting up a fight?

[Anonymous]

My understanding was that it was one boy but that there were two incidents one in Montgomery County and another in Queen Anne's..

[Anonymous]

NP here.
Please, if you know nothing about the situation besides what you've read in the media, please do not comment. Your ignorance is apparent to those who actually know things.