HARRISBURG, PA – Jarrod Clapper, a 25-year-old Bedford County man, has been convicted of felony sexual assault charges for illegal contact with a juvenile student while he was employed at Bedford Area High School.
Late Thursday, a Bedford County jury returned guilty verdicts against Clapper on felony counts of institutional sexual assault and unlawful contact with a minor, as well as a misdemeanor charge of corruption of a minor.
Clapper is set to be sentenced on May 26, 2023, and was remanded to the Bedford County Correctional Facility after the verdict.
Attorney General Michelle Henry stated yesterday, “My office will do everything in its power to make sure that Pennsylvania schools are places of learning and student development, rather than grounds for offenders to perpetrate crimes.” She continued by condemning Clapper’s actions, calling them “despicable” and commending the jury for their careful consideration of the evidence.
Prosecutors presented evidence at the trial that Clapper worked in the school district’s Information Technology department when he assaulted the 17-year-old student.
Bedford County authorities referred the case to the Office of Attorney General for investigation and prosecution. Deputy Attorney General Philip M. McCarthy prosecuted the case.