« Linton soldier fined for possession of child porn | Main | Families file claim in child-sex-abuse case »
November 18, 2004
Sex abuse case being investigated for other victims
By Brad Bauer -- mariettatimes.com
A Noble County investigation into the report of sex abuse by a Sunday school teacher has led back to Washington County, officials said Tuesday.
Former Washington County Children's Home Superintendent James Coyle was recently indicted in Noble County on charges of sexual misconduct with three young boys.
Washington County Children Services Director Dave Copen said his office was contacted because authorities are concerned over the possibility of more victims.
"I think that is a very real concern," Copen said.
Statistics on child abuse show an abuser molests an average of 70 children before ever being arrested, Copen said.
Coyle, 60, of 37636 Coyle Road, Lower Salem, was employed at the Washington County Children's Home in Marietta during the 1970s. From 1980 to 2002, Coyle taught at a Monroe County vocational school.
The Washington County Children's Home closed in 1975.
Switzerland of Ohio School District Superintendent Phil Ackerman said he has not been contacted by authorities about Coyle's arrest or concerns of more victims.
"There are no ongoing investigations that I'm aware of," Ackerman said. "And I'm not aware of any accusations having been made against Mr. Coyle while he was employed here."
Coyle was charged with four counts of attempted sexual battery on a minor, and two counts each of attempted unlawful sex with a minor and gross sexual imposition with a minor. The alleged offenses took place during 1998, Noble County Sheriff Landon Smith said.
Each count carries a possible 18 month prison sentence and a $5,000 fine.
Smith said Coyle met his alleged victims at the Main Street Church of Christ in Caldwell. Church officials could not be reached for comment Tuesday.
Copen said he did not know the particulars of the Coyle case, but that most children who are molested are victimized by persons they know and trust.
"It is easy to teach 'stranger danger,'" Copen said. "But it is often those you trust that molest."
Copen said it is important to teach children what is appropriate contact and what to do if something inappropriate should occur.
"Obviously we want the child to tell someone ... a parent, teacher or friend," Copen said.
Coyle was arraigned Nov. 4 and pleaded not guilty. He posted a $10,000 bond and remains out of jail awaiting his March 15 trial date.
Smith said if more victims come forward additional charges will be filed.
Signs of possible abuse:
Sexual abuse is a traumatic experience for any child. Abuse may manifest itself in a variety of emotions: Shame, guilt, distrust, fear, hostility, extreme shyness or withdrawal.
Outward possible signs of abuse may include:
A sudden onset of school problems.
Self-destructive behavior such as drug or alcohol abuse.
Abnormally submissive behavior.
Avoidance of normal previously accepted shows of affection.
Acts of regression, such as tantrums, crying or bed-wetting.
Physical symptoms such as irritation of the mouth, genital or anal areas.
Source: Washington County Children Services
Posted by Nealus at November 18, 2004 12:39 PM
Comments
Post a comment
Thanks for signing in, . Now you can comment. (sign out)
(If you haven't left a comment here before, you may need to be approved by the site owner before your comment will appear. Until then, it won't appear on the entry. Thanks for waiting.)
