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Devin Hernandez, a 30-year-old former assistant strength and conditioning coach at Hawken School, located at 12465 County Line Rd, Chesterland, OH 44026, admitted guilt Thursday in Geauga County Common Pleas Court to two counts of third-degree sexual battery.
Hernandez, a resident of Mayfield Heights, faced five charges initially, according to Cleveland.com. However, court records indicate that prosecutors dismissed three counts as part of a plea agreement. The charges stemmed from a sexual relationship Hernandez had with a 17-year-old Hawken student during a period between March and May 2023. Despite Ohio’s age of consent being 16, laws prohibit sexual conduct between a minor and an individual in a position of authority, such as a teacher or coach.
Each count Hernandez pleaded to carries a potential prison term of up to five years. In addition, a conviction will result in lifetime registration as a Tier III sex offender, requiring in-person verification every 90 days.
Hernandez began his tenure at Hawken in July 2021, resigning in August 2023 to accept a position at Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin School in Chardon. Following his arrest in April, officials at Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin placed him on administrative leave and prohibited him from entering school grounds.
Sentencing for Hernandez is set to take place on November 12 before Judge Carolyn Paschke.
When trust is broken by someone in a position of authority, families are often left searching for answers. Cases of sexual abuse involving coaches highlight the complex legal and emotional challenges victims face. In a conversation with Ohio sexual abuse attorney John Bey, we explore the legal protections available to minors and their families, as well as the steps they can take to hold perpetrators and institutions accountable.
Editor Darla Medina: What legal options are available for victims who have been abused by someone in a position of authority, such as a college preparatory school coach?
Attorney John Bey: Victims in these situations have both criminal and civil pathways to consider. While the state prosecutes offenders in criminal court, victims can also pursue civil lawsuits to seek compensation for the emotional, psychological, and sometimes financial damage they've endured. These cases often focus on holding the individual accountable, but they may also involve institutions if there's evidence of negligence in preventing the abuse.
Medina: How does the law in Ohio address this kind of abuse specifically?
Bey: Ohio law is clear: even if the minor is above the age of consent, any sexual conduct between a minor and someone in a position of authority—like a teacher or coach—is prohibited. This is designed to address the inherent power imbalance in such relationships. Beyond the criminal charges, victims may also have a claim against schools or organizations that failed to enforce proper safeguards or ignored warning signs.
Medina: What would your advice be to someone who suspects they or someone they know has been a victim?
Bey: Acting quickly is important. Reporting the abuse to law enforcement is often the first step, but consulting with an attorney can help victims understand their rights and options, both criminally and civilly. There are also support organizations that specialize in helping survivors process their experiences and guide them through the next steps.
No one should have to face the aftermath of abuse alone. Victims and their families deserve guidance, support, and a clear path forward. If you or a loved one has been affected by abuse from a coach or authority figure, our team is here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation to understand your legal options and begin the process of holding those responsible accountable.
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