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Henry C. Pilliod, 22, a former volunteer tennis coach and substitute teacher at Berks Catholic High School, located at 955 E Wyomissing Blvd #1799, Reading, PA 19611, has been charged with multiple offenses following allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a 17-year-old student. The Berks County District Attorney's Office initiated a criminal investigation on March 31, 2025, after receiving two referrals from the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.
According to NBC Philadelphia, authorities allege Pilliod was exchanging explicit photos with the student, prompting authorities to begin their inquiry.
Investigators revealed that Pilliod began communicating electronically with the student in November 2024. By January 2025, the exchanges escalated to sharing nude images and videos through Snapchat. Additionally, the investigation uncovered that Pilliod and the student engaged in sexual relations on multiple occasions between December 2024 and February 2025.
Pilliod had been associated with Berks Catholic High School as a volunteer tennis coach from August 2024 through March 2025 and served as a long-term substitute teacher during February and March 2025.
On Wednesday, August 6, 2025, Pilliod was formally charged with institutional sexual assault, corruption of minors, unlawful contact with a minor, and criminal use of communication facilities. The following day, he surrendered to Berks County detectives and is currently awaiting preliminary arraignment.
In response to the arrest, Berks Catholic High School issued a statement outlining the immediate actions it took upon learning of the allegations. The school reported the matter to ChildLine, Berks County Children & Youth Services, and law enforcement on March 30, 2025. Pilliod’s employment was terminated that same day.
The school explained that it refrained from issuing a public statement earlier to safeguard the integrity of the investigation. Officials emphasized their commitment to student safety and urged anyone with knowledge of abuse to report it to the appropriate authorities.
Authorities have confirmed that Pilliod remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty. Out of respect for the investigation and the privacy of those involved, no additional details have been released at this time.
When allegations of sexual misconduct arise in a school setting, they not only shock the community but also leave victims and their families grappling with difficult questions about what to do next. To better understand the legal options available to those affected by such cases, we spoke with Pennsylvania attorney Max Morgan, who specializes in handling cases of sexual abuse. He explains the rights of victims, the responsibilities of institutions, and the steps families can take to seek accountability and begin the healing process.
Darla Medina (Editor): What legal avenues are available for students or their families in cases where a teacher engages in inappropriate conduct like this?
Max Morgan (Attorney): Victims in these situations have both criminal and civil options. On the criminal side, law enforcement investigates and prosecutes the perpetrator under charges like institutional sexual assault or corruption of minors, as we're seeing in this case.
Medina: And on the civil side?
Morgan: Victims can file lawsuits against the individual offender or, in some cases, the institution that employed them if there’s evidence of negligence, such as failing to respond to warning signs or properly vetting staff. Civil suits aim to secure compensation for emotional trauma, therapy costs, and other damages.
Medina: If the school reported the matter quickly, as Berks Catholic claims to have done, does that protect them from liability?
Morgan: Timely reporting is a critical step for institutions, but it doesn't automatically shield them from liability. Courts consider whether the institution had prior knowledge of misconduct or failed to implement policies that could have prevented harm.
Medina: What advice would you give to victims or their families?
Morgan: They should report the abuse to law enforcement immediately, seek support from victim advocacy groups, and consult an experienced attorney to understand their rights and options. Healing takes time, but the law provides pathways to accountability and recovery.
If you or a loved one has been affected by sexual misconduct in a school setting, you don’t have to face this alone. Understanding your rights and holding those responsible accountable can be a powerful step toward justice and healing. Our team is dedicated to supporting victims and their families through this difficult time. Contact us today for a free and confidential consultation—your voice matters, and we’re here to help you take the next step.
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