Patrick J. O'Connor, Romeo educator admits attack on 12-year-old girl

Ex-band teacher gets prison for sex assault

Friday, August 7, 2009

By Jameson Cook, Macomb Daily Staff Writer

A former band teacher in Romeo schools was ordered to serve one to 15 years in prison for having sexual contact with a 12-year-old female student in the school.

Patrick J. O'Connor, 45, who taught at Romeo Middle School, was escorted away after a 45-minute sentencing hearing in Macomb County Circuit Court that was marked by the victim's parents' emotional descriptions of the impact of the incidents and the community's response to them.

"The gravity of this is overwhelming," said the girl's mother, whose name is being withheld to protect her daughter's identity. "She doesn't trust anyone and has lost self-worth and self-esteem. He has forever changed who my daughter is."

The girl's parents said their daughter also has had to deal with remarks by other students and adults who accused her of lying, as well as the case receiving media attention.

"She was called terrible names, and taunted and threatened," said the mother.

The girl has been made to feel guilty for reporting the incident, one of her grandparents said in a letter.

O'Connor, a divorced parent of two children in Romeo schools, was accused of one incident, but prosecutors could have levied more charges for more incidents if O'Connor had not agreed to plead guilty.

O'Connor kissed, hugged and groped the girl in his classroom and other areas in the school over several weeks early this year, according to a report read by Judge David Viviano. He also sent messages via a computer that implied potential future sex and penned notes for her to leave class early so he could be alone with her.

The relationship was uncovered when the girl's mother discovered a text message.

O'Connor initially denied sexual contact but later admitted to it, resulting in the plea.

O'Connor, who wept and rocked back and forth while waiting for the hearing to start, admitted his actions to the judge.

"I made a mistake and I take responsibility for it," he said. "There is nothing I can say or do to express my remorse for this lapse of responsibility and morality. ... I never intended for anything to happen. I wish I had a reason for it but I don't."

The sentencing guideline range of one to two years at the minimum was higher than expected. Attorneys had believed the range would allow for probation up to 17 months in prison.

Viviano said despite O'Connor's lack of a prior record and support among his family and friends, he did not deserve a sentence below the guidelines, which would have meant jail instead of prison. Viviano noted O'Connor's position of authority "enabled" him to prey on the girl.

"I don't think county jail is appropriate," Viviano said. "You not only damaged an impressionable young woman, you also contributed to the breakdown of the social order. ... For that, there are consequences."

The girl's father called O'Connor a "predator."

"As all predators do, they wait for the right victim," he said.

But O'Connor's defense attorney, Joseph Kosmala, painted a different picture of his client. He said O'Connor was a well-respected 19-year teacher popular among students and parents.

Despite his admission, the Washington Township man maintains support from his family, including his ex-wife, who also teaches music in Romeo schools, and others, including members of his church, Kosmala said. O'Connor and seven supporters engaged in a prayer circle in the hallway outside the courtroom prior to the hearing.

"All of those folks still offer him their trust and support," Kosmala said.

Two psychologists said O'Connor has a low chance of recidivism, he noted.

Kosmala pointed out O'Connor has lost his career and damaged his relationship with his children.

"The prison he created for himself is ... a life sentence," Kosmala said.

O'Connor must register as a sex offender after he is released from prison.

The victim's father vowed to keep track of O'Connor and inform his neighbors about his conviction.

Take care and STAY SAFE!

Anny Jacoby

A Success Survivor

"Raising female awareness and skills to reduce susceptibility in response to violence."

www.annyjacoby.com
www.realisticfemaleselfdefense.com

If you are in an abusive relationship, you need a plan.
Moving Out, Moving On; authored by Susan Murphy-Milano will guide you through the necessary steps of ending a relationship safely.
You can purchase your copy HERE.

For scheduling training, appearances or speaking engagements for Anny, please contact ImaginePublicity.

contact@ImaginePublicity.com