March 21, 2008 - Andrew Merck, 32, Sharon Middle School math teacher was convicted of two counts of open and gross lewdness by a jury that found him guilty of twice stripping and touching himself, as well as urging a developmentally disabled man to disrobe himself.
The victim was in his twenties and not connected to the school.
Merck was sentenced by Judge Mary Hogan Sullivan 2 years in jail, with one year to be served, and the balance suspended for 5 years. On the second count, Merck was sentenced to five years of probation after serving his jail sentence. With the conviction, he cannot work with children for five years after he is released from jail. He also must register as a sex offender.
Merck is a graduate for Framingham State College, according to a 2003 Mathematics Department newsletter.
----------------------------
July 1 - Merk's family sent a letter to every member of the House of Representatives "alleging the misconduct" on the part of State Rep. Lida Harkins, D-Needham, who was a neighbor of the victim.
Merck’s parents said they are not accusing Harkins of any wrongdoing, just posing some questions, after learning during testimony that the victim knew and lived near Harkins.State Rep. Lida Harkins, D-Needham, vehemently denied allegations that she unduly influenced a criminal case in which her neighbor was the victim.
“We’re not accusing her; we’re just saying there were a lot of irregularities,” said John Merck, Andrew Merck’s father.
