Pennsylvania Teacher and Coach Arrested for Sexual Assault

The September 2026 arrest of a middle school and elementary school teacher and coach, Jason Theodore, is an important reminder of the realities of institutional sexual abuse and the long-term consequences for victims.

Theodore was arrested on charges related to sexual abuse and contact involving a minor. The 3 alleged victims were students when Theodore abused them, but North Penn School District is adamant that no abuse took place on school property. Theodore, who has pleaded not guilty to the charges, is still awaiting trial and could face civil claims from victims during or after his criminal case ends.

For a free case assessment from our Pennsylvania child and institutional sexual abuse lawyers, call The Law Office of Andrew Shubin at (814) 826-3586.

Pennsylvania Teacher Arrested for Sexual Assault: What You Need to Know

With the arrest of yet another teacher for charges related to sexual assault of a minor, parents deserve to know the latest information on the most recent case of possible institutional sexual abuse in Pennsylvania.

Who Was Arrested?

The North Penn School District gym teacher and coach arrested on criminal charges related to sexual abuse and assault involving prior students in September 2026 was Jason Theodore, a 54-year-old Pennsylvania man.

Who Are the Alleged Victims?

The alleged victims in the case were students at the time of the abuse. Currently, 3 teenage victims have come forward with allegations of sexual assault against Theodore. Their identities have been kept private.

When Did the Abuse Allegedly Take Place?

According to authorities, the alleged sexual abuse and assaults took place between 2019 and 2023 when Theodore was actively working at both Montgomery Elementary School and Pennbrook Middle School.

What Has Been the School District’s Response to the Allegations?

According to North Penn School District, there is no evidence that any sexual misconduct occurred on school grounds, and the district has made counselors available to students and faculty at Montgomery Elementary School, Pennbrook Middle School, and North Penn High School.

When Did the Arrest Take Place?

Theodore was officially arrested on Friday, September 25, 2026. Before his arrest, North Penn School District placed him on leave on September 9, after the allegations surfaced.

Has a Trial Begun?

As of October 2026, Theodore is in the initial stages of his criminal trial for sexual assault charges. So far, he has pleaded not guilty to the charges and lost several bids for bail, which has been routinely denied by the court.

Has There Been a Verdict?

There is no verdict in the case yet, and Theodore has not been found guilty or not guilty of the charges.

Have the Alleged Victims Filed Lawsuits?

The victims who came forward with allegations of abuse against Jason Theodore that led to his arrest have not yet pursued civil litigation against him, but most likely can to recover any damages related to the sexual abuse they endured as children.

Is the School District Also Liable?

Though school districts can be liable for sexual abuse that occurs on school property or by teachers while they are working, it is not clear if any of the alleged abuse by Theodore occurred at either Pennbrook Middle School or Montgomery Elementary School.

Allegedly, Theodore made contact with the victims online, not at school.

How Does a Criminal Case Affect a Civil Case for Sexual Assault in Pennsylvania?

Criminal and civil sexual assault cases are completely separate processes. However, our Pennsylvania child and institutional sexual abuse lawyers may be able to use the result of a criminal case to a victim’s advantage in their civil claim against a liable abuser or institution.

Conviction

If a defendant in a sexual abuse lawsuit has also been convicted of charges related to the case, their conviction can be used as evidence in a civil lawsuit. A criminal conviction can make it much easier to establish liability in a civil case where the burden of proof is considerably lower.

No Conviction

If there is no criminal case or conviction, victims can still file civil claims against sexual abusers. Sexual abuse victims may still successfully hold abusers and institutions responsible and receive compensation from a lawsuit, even if there is no criminal investigation, arrest, or conviction.

Even if a defendant is found not guilty of criminal charges or charges are dismissed, a victim may still pursue a separate civil claim.

Do Victims Have to Wait Until a Criminal Case Is Over to Sue for Sexual Abuse in Pennsylvania?

Sexual abuse victims do not have to wait until a criminal case is over to pursue a civil sexual abuse claim. However, if a criminal case is ongoing while a victim pursues a civil case, the victim cannot use a conviction as evidence of liability.

Because the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse claims in Pennsylvania is so long, 37 years from the age of majority, most victims can typically wait to file lawsuits until a criminal trial is over without the risk of missing the filing deadline.

Why Should Victims Sue Convicted Defendants for Sexual Abuse in Pennsylvania?

If the person who sexually abused you was charged and convicted of a crime, your fight for justice does not have to end there. You should also consider filing a lawsuit against the person who abused you or a liable institution to get compensation for the harms you have endured.

Even if a defendant is convicted and in prison for sexual abuse, they are still civilly liable for any damages that they caused you. Childhood sexual abuse, especially at the hands of a trusted adult like a teacher or coach, is especially damaging and can lead to overwhelming pain and suffering, as well as tangible economic harms.

Get Our Help with Your Pennsylvania Sexual Abuse Case

Call the Pennsylvania child and institutional sexual abuse lawyers at The Law Office of Andrew Shubin at (814) 826-3586 for a free case review.