Apr 27, 2007 - Kevin Goddu, 45, a Timberlane Regional High School social studies teacher, was arraigned on charges of aggravated felonious sexual assault forcible rape It is alleged that he used physical force to pin a 16-year-old student to a bed and raped her
He resigned Apr 5. In addition to his teaching duties, Goddu served as Timberlane's faculty adviser for Model U.N. Records. In his hometown of Chelmsford, Goddu is an elected Town Meeting representative for the 2nd District and a selectmen-appointed member of the Chelmsford Historical Commission.
In court yesterday, Goddu was not allowed to enter a plea. The charge is a felony, which requires a probable cause hearing. That hearing is scheduled for May 16.
INDICTED May 18 - Goddu was indicted on 14 counts of aggravated felonious sexual assault. He is scheduled to be arraigned on the charges May 31.
PRE-TRIAL PUBLICITY July 10 - Goddu's lawyer released information about e-mails between his client and the alleged victim and phone bills not yet accepted into evidence as well as a preliminary list of witnesses.
PRE-TRIAL PUBLICITY II July 13 - The case continues in the newspaper as the defense claims in court papers they filed that the sex was consensual, witnesses are prepared to testify that it was "romantic" and that the girl called his client twice on the day of the alleged rape “seeking a meeting for sexual relations.” The lawyer is seeking the girl’s school records from Timberlane, saying “serious questions exist concerning the veracity” of the alleged victim.
Jury selection is not slated to begin until OCTOBER, folks.
TRIAL Nov 30 - Closing arguments are expected today after three days of testimony.
DELIBERATIONS Dec 1 - The jury is deliberating. While Judge William Groff instructed the jury about the charges, Goddu's wife began to sob, and stormed out of the courtroom in tears. See story for how the defense characterized the victim.
MISTRIAL DECLARED Dec 3 - A mistrial was declared after the jury was unable to come to a unanimous decision on any of the 14 counts of aggravated felonious sexual assault. The trial will now be rescheduled for early next year.
PLEA AGREEMENT April 25, 2008 - Goddu avoided a second trial and will plead guilty to two misdemeanor assault charges and agree to never teach again, according to paperwork filed in Hillsborough County Superior Court yesterday. A 12-month jail sentence will be suspended, pending two years of good behavior.
The plea agreement was approved by Judge William Groff, but Goddu still must appear in court to formally plead guilty and be sentenced. No hearing date has been scheduled.
SENTENCED (sorta) July 25 - Goddu was sentenced yesterday to a 12-month suspended sentence. He is prohibited from teaching in New Hampshire. He must undergo sex offender evaluation and receive any recommended treatment.
The family wrote of their anger over Goddu's violation of their trust. They also wrote they were upset by the reaction of some students and families who blamed the girl for Goddu losing his job.
