Staying Just Under the Radar

Shaun Bryer was a highly respected teacher in Morristown, Vermont.  He was commended for his acts of community service, his position as chairman on the local SelectBoard, he even served as the literacy program leader at the Morristown Elementary School where he taught 5th grade.  His exemplary community record made it an easy hiring decision at a new school when he left Morristown Elementary for "personal reasons."

It seems that after Mr. Bryer was hired on at a new school, two boys came forward alleging on-going sexual abuse.  They didn't want it to happen to anyone else.

Bryer initially plead not guilty to the charges, but later admitted to the misconduct.

Bryer's attorneys tried to have his testimony thrown out, claiming he was interviewed without being read his Miranda Rights, but a judge quickly denied the request.

In a sworn statement to police Bryer says he befriended two of his victims and their parents when the children were third grade students. He often had the boys at his apartment where, "they told investigators, he showed them pornographic movies, gave them cash and eventually began molesting them."

The judge in the case condemned Mr. Bryer's actions.

"It's difficult enough for our teenage boys to find their footing and to grow up and mature in today's society, without a trusted mentor, a friend, and a presumably positive adult role model taking advantage of that relationship over many years to inflict grievous and irreparable psychological harm."

Shaun Bryer, as part of a plea bargain,  pleaded guilty to 14 charges of sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault and lewd and lascivious conduct with a child. According to his plea deal, he will spend 12 years of his 25 to life sentence behind bars.

One woman, Tina Bridgman, has wise words regarding the situation:

"In a sleepy little community where everyone leaves their doors unlocked and feels totally safe I think it is a good wake-up call. No one lives in a dream world or a bubble. Especially with children. Everything else; our homes, our cars, whatever. Those are just material but with children those are human lives that are going to be affected for eternity."

Bad Teacher #1, Rob Mocarsky
Bad Teacher #2, Henry Nguyen 
Bad Teacher #3, Dennis Michael McKeown
Bad Teacher #4, Jon White

Bad Teacher #5, Thomas Beltran

Bad Teacher #6, John Foster

Yet again I will clarify, I am not comparing any of these men to Mr. Adams or his case.  Each case is different and unique.  Just because these men were found guilty or plead guilty does not mean that Mr. Adams is guilty.  The point is, and always has been that just because someone is a great teacher and respected in the community, does NOT mean that they are incapable of doing terrible things.