FORMER SCHOOL TEACHER FACING UP TO FOURTEEN YEARS IMPRISONMENT FOLLOWING HIS CONVICTION ON CHARGES OF SODOMY AND SEXUAL ABUSE OF YOUNG STUDENTS
Bronx District Attorney Robert T. Johnson announced today that a former New York City public school teacher has been convicted of sodomy and sexual abuse involving three young boys.
Gary Coleman, 52, of 1350 Webster Avenue, the Bronx, was found guilty on two counts of Sodomy in the 2nd degree, four counts of Sexual Abuse in the 2nd degree, and three counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child. Coleman was convicted following a non jury trial before State Supreme Court Justice Margaret Clancy. The judge set sentencing for Monday, August 23, 2004 in Part T6. Coleman is facing a maximum term of up to fourteen years imprisonment if consecutive sentences are imposed on the most serious charges of Sodomy in the 2nd degree, a Class D felony offense.
The incidents of sodomy and sexual abuse occurred between January 1, 2003 and May 31, 2003, either in the defendant’s classroom at Intermediate School 158 or in his office at a community center at Webster and Clermont Avenues, where he coached a neighborhood basketball team. Coleman, a mathematics teacher, also coached the school basketball team and taught math to two of the victims. He coached all three. Coleman paid the victims, a 12 year old boy and two 14 year old boys, amounts ranging from $20 to $200 for sexual favors.
The crimes came to light during a basketball game in June 2003 when the boys told Coleman that they were going to play on another team. Coleman became upset and began yelling at the boys in such an abusive manner that they coach for the opposing team became concerned and questioned the boys about the reason for Coleman’s behavior. The incidents were reported to the Special Commissioner of Investigation for the New York City School District who looked into the allegations and referred the matter to the Bronx District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Scott Anderson of the Child Abuse / Sex Crimes Bureau.
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