Mount Gretna, PA - Matthew Macsisak, Former Teacher at Gillingham Charter School, Pleads Guilty to Sexually Abusing 9-Year-Old Boy

Charter Middle School Teacher Charged With Sexual Abuse

According to Penn Live, a Lebanon County man has pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a 9-year-old boy while employed at Gillingham Charter School located at 915 Howard Ave, Pottsville, PA 17901. 

According to the report, the abuse took place sometime between January and November of 2020. The boy was staying at the home of 49-year-old Matthew Macsisak when the abuse occurred. Allegedly the boy requested to sleep in the bed with Macsisak and woke up to him orally assaulting him. Macsisak claimed he had too much to drink the night before and "made a mistake." 

At the time, Macsisak was a middle-high school English and Social Studies teacher at the charter school. His teacher license was suspended on November 5, 2020, in addition to his employment being terminated. 

Macsisak has pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges of indecent assault of an unconscious person, child endangerment, and corruption of minors. 

School Teachers Charged With Sexual Abuse

Attorney contributor Brian Kent is a dedicated sex abuse lawyer who represents victims and their families in private civil lawsuits. Brian recently shared some insight into filing a lawsuit against teachers for sexual abuse. 

"School officials have a massive legal and moral obligation to ensure their students are as safe from sexual predators. Sadly, sexual predators can be found working in schools, giving them straight access to many vulnerable victims. When a school teacher or other school employee is charged with sexual crimes, it is crucial to investigate if more abuse occurred. If the investigation finds that the school failed to uphold its duty by conducting background checks, it can be considered negligent. In many cases of negligence, the victim can pursue a lawsuit."

"Additionally, if the school was aware of past inappropriate behavior or sexual misconduct by a teacher but failed to investigate or report complaints, they can be held accountable. In cases involving negligence, abuse victims and their families may have grounds for a lawsuit against the school. Victims can explore their legal options with an experienced sex abuse lawyer."

Sources:

Penn Live