March 10, 2008 - Kason O’Neil, 26, a P.E. teacher who coaches the track team at Hudson Falls High School was arrested Monday on charges he had sex with a 14-year-old girl
who he coached.
Police said O'Neil had a sexual relationship in 2005 and 2006 at the high school. Police say there may be more charges in this case.He was charged with two counts of second-degree rape, a felony. O’Neil was placed on paid administrative leave.
Full Name: Kason M. O’Neil
Police asked that anyone with information in the case, or who may have had inappropriate contact with O’Neil, contact them at 747-4011.
INDICTED March 20 - A Washington County grand jury indicted O'Neil on 21 charges that accuse him of having sex with an underage student 20 times between 2005 and 2007. It includes five counts of statutory rape and nine counts accusing him of having oral sex with the girl, who was 14 and 15 years old. He will be arraigned on March 28.
He may also face charges in Saratoga County where police said they have evidence he had sex with the girl at his former home.
NOT GUILTY PLEA March 28 - O'Neil pleaded not guilty Friday to a 21-count indictment.
He left court free on $100,000 bail bond after a State Police investigator took photos of his genitalia, photographs that were ordered by Washington County Judge Kelly McKeighan at the request of the Washington County district attorney’s office.Next court appearance is June 13.
Those photos were sought in an effort to corroborate what the 16-year-old girl who has accused O’Neil told police about their relationship. She told authorities he trimmed his pubic hair in a "unique" manner, said Washington County District Attorney Kevin Kortright.
TRIAL SCHEDULED June 13 - Washington County Judge Kelly McKeighan had declined to dismiss the indictment against O'Neil. His lawyer had asked that the charges be dismissed for lack of evidence. Pre-trial hearings are scheduled for July 22 with the trial tentatively set to begin Aug. 25.
TRIAL September 9 - The trial of O'Neil was postponed Monday when his lawyer became ill. It is expected to resume today with the girl who has accused O'Neil expected to testify. Prosecutors will be able to use statements he made during questioning by police against him. O'Neil rejected a plea agreement. The state’s age of consent is 17.
JURY VERDICT September 19 - Hudson Falls teacher Kason M. O’Neil was acquitted of 12 of 14 charges and all felonies Thursday night, but found guilty of third-degree sexual abuse and endangering the welfare of a child counts. O’Neil will have to register as a sex offender should the convictions withstand appeal. He will be sentenced Oct. 17.
His lawyer said, "This will undoubtedly interrupt his teaching career."
SENTENCED October 24 - O'Neil was sentenced to 60 days in jail - not prison. After his release, he will be on probation three years.
