Former maryland teacher sentenced for child abuse

SILVER SPRING, MD — In a recent court hearing, former Montgomery County Public Schools teacher John Vigna, 57, received a sentence of 30 years in prison with all but time served suspended for sexually abusing multiple students. The Circuit Court for Montgomery County, presided by Judge Theresa Chernosky, also mandated that Vigna register as a sex offender for life and comply with a five-year probation under strict conditions.

The sentencing took place on Monday.

Vigna, from Silver Spring, pleaded guilty to one count of Sexual Child Abuse and three counts of Sexual Abuse of a Minor. The offenses occurred at Cloverly Elementary School between 2001 and 2016. Under the terms of his probation, Vigna is prohibited from unsupervised contact with minors and any interaction with the victims or their families. He has already served over six years in prison.

The plea agreement, supported by the victims and the state, aims to prevent further trauma from a potential trial. State’s Attorney John McCarthy highlighted the significance of Vigna’s admission of guilt after years of denial.

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