An Illinois football coach and special education teacher denied allegations of sexual assault against him, told the police that he is just a “good -looking” and “a good person”.
Christina Pharmela, 30, appeared in court on Monday to face several hooliganism charges, including a count of criminal sexual abuse and a count of criminal sexual harassment. Duppage County Officer,
His comments about his appearance and character came to light during an interview with detectives after arrest during traffic stops on 16 March.
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Initially denying the allegations, Pharmella claimed that people targeted him as he was “good -looking” and “a good man who cared a lot about (the victim),” according to the documents obtained by ” Wign9,
He also alleged that Kishore had accessed his phone and sent a message to himself as part of the blackmail scheme.
Pharmela attracted the attention of the police on 15 March, when the victim, then 15, and her mother reported unfair sexual contact to the boy’s football coach and tutor to the Downers Grove Police Department.
A joint investigation by the law enforcement and the Duppage County Children’s Advockey Center alleged that in December 2023, Pharmela sexually harassed the student during a tuition session inside a class before the school’s day started.
The victim’s mother allegedly discovered the alleged attack, reviewing her son’s text messages.
Downers Grove South High School officials confirmed Swatantra that Pharmela was immediately placed on administrative leave. She had been working as a special education teacher at school since August 2020 and started working voluntarily as a football coach for both boys and girls teams in 2021.
During an internal meeting on Monday, Don Rainer, president of the Board of Education, said that Pharmela is no longer allowed in the school ground.
On appearing in his court, a judge refused to request the prosecutor’s request to detain Formella before the trial. He was released with conditions, including a ban on entering the Downers Grove South High School and contacting anyone under 18 years of age.
Attorney Robert Berlin of Dupez County State called the allegations “extremely harassed”, emphasized that Pharmela misused his position of trust and authority. “The type of alleged misconduct and behavior in the case will not be tolerated,” he said.
In a statement to the school board, Rainer broke heart for the victim and comprehensive school community, which he felt betrayed by the allegations.
Rainer said, “Our top attention is now to support the victim and their family and to ensure the good and safety of all our students,” Rainer said, the families who had direct contact with the children who had direct contact with the children.
He also urged the students to report any behavior for police or school officials, stating that all reports have been taken seriously.
As the investigation proceeds, the school continues to cooperate with law enforcement.
The presence of Pharmela’s next court is scheduled for April 14, 2025.
