A Pennsylvania high school track coach has been arrested for allegedly having a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old student-athlete for more than a year, prosecutors say.
Hannah Marth, 26, who coached at Northampton Areas High School, has been charged with felony institutional sexual assault and sexual assault by a sports official.
The district attorney’s office said Marth began the alleged relationship when she texted the student at 2 a.m. on May 22, 2021, asking him to come to her house to have sex.
The victim allegedly told investigators that she was in a relationship that ended in October 2022. Marth allegedly confessed to having a “romantic involvement” with the victim.
District Attorney Terence Houck called the coach’s actions “a flagrant disregard for the welfare of those she coached, and most importantly – the law.”
The school district has expressed its intention to cooperate with authorities and ensure the safety of its students.
The alleged sexual relationship between a coach and a student is a serious crime that can have lasting effects on the victim and the community.
Sexual abuse in any form can cause emotional and psychological trauma that can take years to heal. Victims may feel isolated and ashamed and may have confidence and self-esteem issues.
Source: Fox News