We’re told that teachers undergo rigorous training and extensive background checks before being admitted to their sacred profession, and that those that somehow slip through the cracks are just talented actors and scam artists who managed to pull the wool over everyone’s eyes and convince them they are normal and decent and actually committed to educating and helping your children.
We don’t know much about John Austin Hopkins’s background; only that he was hired by Springboro Community City Schools, not for his glowing credentials, but because he was friends with teachers and administrators at Clearcreek Elementary School in Springboro, Ohio. This was what is alleged by a class action federal lawsuit filed by the attorney representing twelve first grade girls at the school. The suit claims that during the 2018-2019 school year Hopkins, 26, a physical education teacher at the school, actually installed a doorbell on the door to the school gymnasium, which he locked, in order to sexually assault the girls in the class. The doorbell was to let him know if school personnel were attempting to enter, so he could quickly cover it all up, so to speak.
The above-named federal suit is still pending, but another case against Hopkins was recently heard, naming at least 27 victims (some parents allege there are as many as 88). After deliberating 11 hours, the jury delivered a conviction on 34 of 36 counts of gross sexual imposition. Hopkins was given just 8 years in prison, but it’s doubtful he’ll see even half of them before being released. For what it’s worth (all of nothing) he apologized to the victims’ families for his actions. “Clearly I have things to work on,” Hopkins said. “I will make the best out of any situation.” Very contrite. And he certainly made the best out of some situations, now didn’t he?
After prison, Hopkins will be required to report as a sex offender for 25 years.
Hopkins’s mother insists they’ll appeal his meager sentence, because heaven forbid her son have to pay for his actions.
Clearcreek Elementary School in Springboro, Ohio, serves approximately 900 students in grades PreK through 1. Ninety-three percent of students are white.
Ex-Springboro teacher gets 8 years for sex crimes on 1st-grade girls
Ex-Springboro gym teacher sentenced to 8 years in sex crimes case involving children
Federal class-action lawsuit filed against former gym teacher, Springboro schools
Where Your Children Are 