Paul Geer, a former teacher from Hancock, New York, has been convicted by a federal jury on charges related to coercing and transporting minors for unlawful sexual activities. The trial lasted two weeks, culminating in Geer's conviction on two counts of coercion and enticement of minors to travel across state lines, as well as two counts of transporting minors with the intent of engaging in criminal sexual activity. However, the jury did not reach a unanimous decision on two additional charges.
The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Daniel Hanlon and Craig Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Evidence presented during the trial demonstrated that while employed at the Family Foundation School in Hancock, New York, Geer imposed severe disciplinary measures on students. These included depriving children of food or forcing them to consume regurgitated food, binding them in rugs and isolating them for extended periods, and enforcing physical labor. It was further shown that Geer coerced two students into traveling with him to Maine and Toronto in 1994 and 2001 respectively. During these trips, he sexually abused the minors.
Following his conviction, Geer was taken into custody. His sentencing is set for July 9, 2025, in Albany. The charges of coercion and enticement carry a potential sentence of up to 10 years imprisonment each along with fines up to $250,000 and supervised release terms up to five years. The transportation charges could result in sentences up to 15 years each with similar fines and supervised release terms.
The FBI led the investigation with support from New York State Police and Colonie Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica N. Carbone, Adrian S. LaRochelle, and Michael D. Gadarian prosecuted this case under Project Safe Childhood.
Project Safe Childhood is an initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 aimed at combating child sexual exploitation through coordinated efforts among federal, state, and local agencies.
For more information about Project Safe Childhood visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
