Former Washington School District volunteer sentenced for having sex with student
A former Washington School District volunteer was sentenced Tuesday to probation for having a sexual relationship with a student.
Leah C. Pagano, 26, of 945 Donnan Ave., was sentenced by Washington County Judge Gary Gilman to two years of probation on a charge of institutional sexual assault, to which she pleaded guilty.
Washington police charged Pagano in March, saying a teenager had disclosed a sexual relationship with Pagano that spannedfrom March 2015 until January.
“We’re very satisfied with the two years’ probation, and we realize she will be subject to aspects of the Megan’s Law,” said attorney Sam Pangburn, who represented Pagano.
Police said the girl, who was 15 when the relationship began, told them Pagano engaged in multiple sex acts with her at a residence in the city.
Pagano was approved as a cheerleading volunteer in August and later as a volunteer with the Prexies musical production team.
Superintendent Roberta DiLorenzo said Pagano “ceased being a volunteer” once charges were filed.
She’d been barred from school property or doing volunteer duties while police investigated the allegation.
DiLorenzo said the case served as a reminder for caretakers about their role in looking out for children’s safety.
“I just believe it heightens everybody’s awareness that we need to be hypervigilant and take greater steps to care for our children,” DiLorenzo said.
The terms of Pagano’s sentence also include sexual offender counseling and registration.