Williamsport, Pa. – A courtroom filled with tension fell silent as the foreman announced a total of 26 not guilty verdicts in the case of Roger Weaver Freed, the ex-principal of Williamsport Area High School, clearing him of charges that he sexually assaulted a student. This verdict comes after a thorough evening deliberation by the jury on Thursday, highlighting yet another Williamsport Area School District employee acquitted in similar circumstances. Previously, Chris Yoder was also found not guilty, while Michelle Pulizzi received probation for her involvement with a student.
As the not guilty verdicts were read aloud, Freed, visibly emotional, was subsequently released from the local justice system, marking the end of a significant chapter in his life. Freed had been on unpaid suspension since the allegations surfaced, after being hired by the district in 2012. Despite the charges, he had been out on an unsecured bail of $175,000.
The charges stemmed from allegations by a former student who claimed that Freed initiated an emotional and later physical relationship starting when the student was just 16 years old, which lasted until the student turned 22 in 2022. Freed himself admitted to having deep feelings for the student and engaging in a sexual relationship after the student’s graduation. Specifically, he was accused of beginning oral sexual acts starting in 2017.
The jury ultimately cleared Freed of 25 counts of institutional sexual assault of a student and one count of corruption of minors, following a case bolstered by four days of witness testimonies, including from the accuser himself.
Reflecting on the jury’s decision, First Assistant District Attorney Martin Wade expressed his gratitude toward the jurors for their earnest participation and the sacrifices they made throughout the lengthy trial process.
The legal outcomes for school district employees like Freed continue to stir discussions and concerns within the community about student safety and the accountability mechanisms within educational institutions.
The case also emphasizes the complexities of relationships and consent, particularly in an institutional setting, shedding light on both legal boundaries and ethical standards expected of those in positions of power and trust.
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