Berks Co. Teacher Arrested For Not Reporting Student's Sexual Assault
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BERKS COUNTY -
A teacher at Upper Perkiomen High School has been arrested and charged with Failing To Report Suspected Child Abuse.
Investigators say Frank R. Mercon was a health teacher at that school in 2009 when the victim, a female student, reported to him that she had been sexually assaulted.
She was a minor when she reported the assault.
Mercon, according to an investigation performed by Montgomery County Detectives, advised the student too much time has passed and that he did not have to report the incident.
The victim recently told Berks County authorities that she was sexually assaulted.
"The most basic purpose of child abuse reporting requirements is the protection of children. When a mandated reporter conceals information about suspected child abuse, he stands in the way not only of a thorough investigation to determine what happened to the child but also of getting the child proper care, protection and support," said District Attorney Risa Ferman.
Mercon will be arraigned early Thursday morning in Red Hill, Pa.
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