Teacher and youth coach in multiple district accused of sexually assaulting children for years
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - A teacher and youth sports coach who worked at three local school districts is accused of sexually assaulting several children he coached.
Allegheny County police say Eric Fairman turned himself in on Thursday morning after a warrant was issued for his arrest on charges of indecent assault, unlawful contact with a minor, corruption of minors and illegal use of a communication facility. He was denied bail.
"The incidents happened over the last couple of years that we're aware of at this point. We charged for 11 incidents that involved four different victims. Right now, there are many other potential incidents that we are investigating," said Lt. Jason Binder with the Allegheny County Police Department.
Police said that multiple families walked into the police department alleging Fairman had inappropriate contact with their children over a course of several years.
Fairman was a math teacher at Mckeesport's Founders Hall Middle School. The superintendent said he resigned on Wednesday and there's no indication that any improper contact occurred with McKeesport students.
Fairman was also a varsity baseball coach for Keystone Oaks School District. The superintendent said he resigned from there as well and the district has not been made aware that this involved any of their students.
Fairman was also an assistant girl's basketball coach at Thomas Jefferson High School. Fairman has been suspended from there. The superintendent said there's no indication that any improper contact occurred within the School setting.
KDKA learned Fairman coached various local youth league sports as well.
"We know it was something we had to act on right away because Mr. Fairman was currently working in these positions, so we wanted to make sure no one else was put in danger," said Binder.
Allegheny county police said the incidents occurred at the victims' homes, as well as Fairman's residence in Pleasant Hills.
A criminal complaint describes how Fairman began coaching one victim in third grade and started assaulting that victim in fifth grade. The paperwork also states that Fairman would text the victim and send messages of himself crying.
Another complaint said two victims were having a sleepover and Fairman assaulted them while some parents were downstairs.
According to a complaint, in another incident, Fairman inappropriately touched a victim while other people were at the victim's house, but outside.
"I want to say that there is nothing more precious in this world than our children, there is more sickening than when someone who was trusted to coach and mentor them violates that trust and victimizes those children by sexually abusing them," said Assistant Superintendent Victor Joseph of the Allegheny County Police Department.
The West Jefferson Hills School District issued a statement early Thursday morning notifying parents and families that Fairman, who is an assistant girls basketball coach at the high school, where his mother Lisa is the head coach, has been suspended and is not permitted on any district or school property. Superintendent Dr. Janet Sardon says Fairman previously served as the ninth grade baseball coach and is a former substitute teacher.
In the letter, the district says "At this time, there is no indication that any improper contact occurred within the school setting."
The McKeesport Area School District Superintendent Dr. Tia Wanzo said in a letter early Thursday that Fairman resigned from his position at the school on Wednesday and that the district is 'fully cooperating with law enforcement personnel in their investigation.'
Dr. Wanzo also said in her letter that there isn't any indication as of now that any improper conduct occurred in district buildings or with district students.
The Keystone Oaks School District provided a letter to parents and families, notifying that Fairman resigned from his position as the Varsity Baseball Coach on Wednesday. At this time, the District has not been made aware that these charges are related to any activity involving Keystone Oaks students.
The former California University of Pennsylvania baseball player is now facing several felony charges and misdemeanor charges.
Allegheny County police ask anyone with information about Fairman to call them at 1-833-all-TIPS.
KDKA reached out to Fairman's family for comment.
