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In August of 2021, Williamsport Area School District teacher, Christopher P. Yoder, was charged with unlawful contact with a minor, criminal use of a communications device, endangering the welfare of children, corruption of minors, and harassment, in relation to inappropriate comments and contact with two (2) female students.
In 2021 Yoder allegedly made comments of a sexual nature to two (2) students in person and on the social media application, Snapchat.
Yoder is now also being charged with statutory and institutional sexual assault, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, aggravated indecent assault, unlawful contact with a minor, endangering the welfare of children and corruption of minors for two (2) separate incidents, according to Williamsport Bureau of Police.
Christopher Yoder sexually abused an 8th grade student
In 2011/2012, Yoder repeatedly took an 8th grade female’s cell phone during class and viewed pictures on it of her naked. Yoder also turned the lights off when the two were alone in the classroom and fondled the girl under her underwear. Yoder’s abuse escalated to him picking the girl up on her walk from school, during which he sexually abused her on two (2) occasions. The abuse included oral sex and sexual intercourse near the High School.
The second additional victim came forward after the 2021 abuse was reported. Yoder harassed that victim during his time supervising the weight room workouts in 2020. Yoder commented that the victim had a nice body and suggested that she go to the bathroom to take a picture of herself so he could see the progress she made with her work outs.
At a preliminary hearing one of Yoder’s alleged victims testified that Yoder opened a hole in her jeans and wrote on her inner thigh and wrist. Yoder allegedly also commented to a girl that she would look flattering in a low-cut, V-neck dress.
Yoder was suspended with pay after abuse was reported
Yoder, age 43, has been a teacher at Williamsport Area High School since 2007. He was suspended with pay in May of 2021 after the first suspected abuse was reported. It is being reported that Yoder is a father of five (5). He is currently free on unsecured bail and is scheduled to appear before Magisterial District Judge Christian David Frey for a preliminary hearing on July 26th. Agents involved in the case have stated that there may be more victims, which is not uncommon in cases such as this.
This is not the first time Williamsport Area School District faced a sex abuse scandal. Roger W. Freed, age 34, was scheduled to become the high school’s head principal but is now facing criminal charges relating to allegations of sexual misconduct with a male student before and after he graduated, spanning a period of seven (7) years.
Students who are sexually abused like the victims in this case may have the option to bring a civil case against the school district. A civil case often gives the victim a voice that may be overlooked in the criminal case.
Andreozzi + Foote is one of the nation’s leading firms in representing survivors
Andreozzi + Foote has handled many cases against institutions such as schools for their negligence leading to the sexual abuse of minors. Contact us for a free and confidential consultation today. Call us directly, toll-free at 866-311-8640.
