In Connecticut, a former Shelton High School teacher and track coach is facing charges of sexually assaulting a student. Court records describe a relationship that began when the victim was 17, WTNH-TV reports.
Shelton High School (public domain/Wikimedia Commons)Jason Kymer, 38, allegedly groomed and abused the girl during her junior and senior years at Shelton High between 2023 and 2024. Court documents say the abuse included multiple encounters on school property. Police began investigating after another student reported a video that appeared to show Kymer kissing the victim’s neck in the school weight room.
Kymer, who has been a coach at the school for a decade, is charged with second-degree sexual assault, witness tampering, and risk of injury to a minor. He is free on bond under a protective order and is due back in court on September 17.
The Connecticut Department of Children and Families, which investigated alongside police, reminded the public that suspected abuse should always be reported. In Connecticut, residents can call the Child Abuse and Neglect Careline at 1-800-842-2288; similar hotlines are available in every state. Officials stressed that reasonable suspicion alone is sufficient to make a report and callers may remain anonymous.
Shelton High School in Connecticut has an enrollment of about 1,300 students, according to recent data from U.S. News & World Report.
For information on how to report child abuse in your state, click on your state from the list provided by NCS Risk Services. For most states, the name of the responsible state agency, the corresponding state statutes, and agency websites and phone numbers are provided.
National hotlines and child support services include the following:
- Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-422-4453 — Available 24/7 for crisis intervention and referrals.
- 211 – Community & Social Services Info: Dial 211 to connect to local support and referral services (non-emergency).
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) — Confidential help for domestic and relationship abuse.
- Teen Line: (800) 852-8336 — Teen-to-teen support, evenings only.
