Gym Teacher Gets Prison in Sex Case - Updated

(Fairfield, Illinois) Former PE teacher Haven Kirkpatrick, 30, appeared in court and was sentenced to three years in prison, followed by four years of mandatory supervised release.

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Gym Teacher Guilty in Student Sex Case - Updated
[Previous 10/15/11 post]
(Fairfield, Illinois) Former physical education teacher at Fairfield Community High School, Haven A. Kirkpatrick, 30, has been found guilty by Circuit Judge David Frankland of sex with a female student after a two-day bench trial.

The victim, now 18 and a local college student, was comforted by her parents and grandparents as the verdict was read.

"I have the utmost respect for the victim and her family for all of their support," said Special Prosecutor Michael Valentine.

"She faced down her abuser in the courtroom and told the truth. I feel that the victim's bravery will serve as an inspiration to all other victims or would-be victims out there that we haven't heard from yet."

Sentencing for conviction on eight felony counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse of a student has been scheduled for December 14.

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Gym Teacher Accused of Sex with Student
[Previous 7/7/10 post]
(Fairfield, Illinois) A 29-year-old gym teacher at Fairfield Community High School, Haven A. Kirkpatrick, was arrested earlier today for allegedly engaging in sexual contact with a student.

She faces eight counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse.

The arrest follows a fairly brief but intense investigation carried out by Illinois State Police Special Agent Rick White, Fairfield City Police, the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services and the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department. Kirkpatrick is accused of having illicit sexual contact with a local high school student between the age of 13 and 17.

In each of the charges, Kirkpatrick is accused of holding a position of authority as a high school teacher over the alleged victim who was at least 13 years of age but under 18.

In each of the eight counts, Kirkpatrick is accused of having unlawful sexual contact with the victim “for the purpose of the sexual gratification of the defendant." The alleged contacts took place, investigators said, as recently as July 2, and as early as May 18 of this year.

Kirkpatrick was booked into custody at the White County Jail pending transfer to the Wayne County Jail. Bond was set at $100,000.