McKeesport, PA - At Least Seven Victims Claim They Were Sexually Assaulted By Founders Hall Middle School Teacher and Youth Coach, Eric Fairman

Teacher & Youth Coach Arrested For Sexually Assaulting Minors

CBS Pittsburgh has reported that sexual assault allegations have been made against a youth coach and math teacher at Founders Hall Middle School located at 3600 Oneil Blvd, McKeesport, PA 15132. 

Multiple families have accused 26-year-old Eric Fairman of inappropriately touching their children over the course of several years. Fairman has worked for three local school districts, including:

• taught math at Mckeesport's Founders Hall Middle School
• coached varsity baseball for Keystone Oaks School District
• served as an assistant girl's basketball coach and former substitute teacher at Thomas Jefferson High School
• coached various local youth league sports

He resigned from all positions at the schools, and the school districts confirmed he is no longer permitted on any school property. All incidents were said to have occurred either at the victim's homes or at Fairman's place of residence in Pleasant Hills.

Police issued a warrant for the arrest, and Fairman turned himself in on September 1, 2022, after the assault of four male victims was reported. Since then, three additional boys have alleged they were sexually assaulted by Fairman. 

One victim was in the fifth grade when he was sexually assaulted. He had been coached by Fairman since he was in third grade. Two other victims were assaulted during a sleepover while their parents were downstairs. Another claims he was inappropriately touched when Fairman came over despite others being outside. Police believe that more victims will come forward as the investigation continues.

Filing Lawsuits for Victims Sexually Abused By a Youth Coach

Attorney contributor Brian Kent is an experienced school sex abuse lawyer in Pennsylvania. Brian often represents victims of sex abuse in private civil suits. He recently shared his insight regarding when a family can sue if their child was sexually abused by a youth coach or teacher. 

"Sports organizations and schools have both a moral and legal responsibility to safeguard their students. Lately, we have heard too many reports of sexual predators gaining positions of trust in sports programs with access to vulnerable children. Parents are quick to entrust their children with teachers and coaches. These organizations and schools should do all they can to prevent these heinous acts. They can conduct background checks on all staff in addition to security cameras on the property." 

"When a coach or teacher is arrested and charged with sex crimes against children, it is important to determine if the abuse could have been prevented. Oftentimes, an investigation will be conducted to determine if the school or sports organization failed to fulfill its responsibility. If this is the case, they could be held accountable. Victims and their families can file a lawsuit if safety neglect is a factor."

"Furthermore, if the sports organization or school was aware of previous inappropriate behavior by the teacher or coach but did not report it, they could be held responsible. Sex abuse victims and their families are encouraged to consult with an experienced lawyer to learn more about their legal options."

Sources:

CBS Pittsburgh