(Long Island, NY) A former teacher and coach at Bellport High School was acquitted of rape and criminal sexual act charges yesterday, February 25th, 2014 and convicted of one misdemeanor count of endangering the welfare of a child. Jury deliberations began in Suffolk criminal court one day prior.
Jonathon Elsalam, 28, faces one year in jail when he is sentenced May 9.
Jonathon Elsalam, 28, faces one year in jail when he is sentenced May 9.
The indictment alleged Elsalam had sexual relations with a teenage female between December 2011 and May 8, 2012.
The trial began February 10.
The South Country Central School District removed Elsalam from his classroom and coaching duties in October of 2012.
The jury acquitted Elsalam of six charges: two counts of rape in the third degree and four counts of criminal sexual act in the third degree, all class “E” felonies punishable by one and one-third to four years in prison.
According to CBS News, the student involved filed a $10 million federal lawsuit against the Bellport teacher and the South Country Central School District.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. Defendants are entitled to a fair trial with the burden on the prosecution to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
