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Virginia Teacher in So. Florida Sex Case Waives Rights
Florida authorities take a very tough approach against individuals suspected of sexual misconduct, especially when the victim involved is a minor. Prosecutors may put in extra effort, simply because of their personal views of the offenses and the public's and media's interest in these types of cases. If you have been charged with a sex crime, do not hesitate to hire an attorney; the longer you wait to address your charges, the more difficult it can be to mount your defense.
Last Thursday, the FBI filed a federal criminal complaint against a Virginia high-school teacher, charging him with "traveling in interstate commerce for the purpose of engaging in sexual conduct with a minor" among other charges. The defendant was arrested in the lobby of a Hollywood, Florida hotel, where he was planning to meet a 17-year- old male.
The Defendant had traveled from Virginia, and, according to the complaint, "confessed that he had maintained a long-standing sexual relationship with the victim, which began when the victim was 15 years old. Keelan said that he is in love with the victim and admitted that he had driven from Virginia to South Florida for the purpose of having sex with the victim." He waived his right against self-incrimination.
The Defendant, Thomas Patrick Keelan, 53, had previously taught in South Florida schools, where he apparently had an unblemished record. The Virginia high school at which Mr. Keelan was employed, until this arrest, had also performed background checks prior to employing him and found nothing.
