After molesting at least 28 first grade little girls, this disturbed former school teacher faced at least 170 years behind bars. However, the judge overseeing the case had a much different idea about what he believed would be an adequate sentence.
John Austin Hopkins, a 25-year-old former elementary school gym teacher in Springboro, Ohio faced 36 counts of gross sexual imposition after he was accused of inappropriately touching dozens of little girls as young as 6 years old.
The case serves as a dire reminder to parents that they must be diligent about teaching their children what is and isn’t okay regarding their physical safety.
John Austin Hopkins worked at Clearcreek Elementary School in Springboro, Ohio until he was placed on paid administrative leave when a parent reported his inappropriate behavior with 1st grade girls to school administrators. Surveillance video from the school revealed that Hopkins had been molesting the students over a 3 month period.
He would nuzzle and kiss them, put his hands on their thighs and body parts, and even underneath their shirts. During gym class he would show videos with the lights off as an opportunity for him to have inappropriate contact with his female students.
When questioned by police officers, Hopkins claimed that all he did was give side hugs and high fives but the surveillance footage showed otherwise – 88 different incidents were documented in which Hopkins was seen having physical contact with his female students in a “sexual manner” according to prosecutor Dave Fornshell.
During his trial defense attorneys tried to defend John Austin Hopkins’ actions by claiming he had autism however, HR director Carrie Hester testified that she noticed an erection on the surveillance footage. Additionally prosecutors pointed out that during gym class both boys and girls were present yet Hopkins only touched the girls – creating a culture where they competed for his affections without understanding what was happening.
A jury found him guilty of 34 out of 36 charges against him yet he only received 8 years in prison – less than 3 ½ months per alleged victim if we take into account just 28 victims or slightly more than one month per victim when considering all 88 incidents.
The judge warned everyone before announcing John Austin Hopkin’s sentence to remain civil stating there had already been previous outbursts before adding such disruptions would not be tolerated – but it’s easy to understand why many parents felt appalled and disgusted by this monster.
