Former Penn Christian Academy teacher charged with child sexual abuse
A former Penn Christian Academy teacher is accused of sexually assaulting two boys while he previously worked as a teacher at the Highlands School District, according to police.
Sean M. Dicer, 53, of Brackenridge, was charged by the Allegheny County police on Thursday, Dec. 4, with sexually assaulting the boys, now 16 years old, beginning when they were 11 or 12 years old.
Police said they received a ChildLine report Nov. 7 about the experience of one of the children. When interviewed on Nov. 10 and 12, the boys recounted being sexually assaulted by Dicer several years ago.
The investigation does not involve any Penn Christian Academy students or school activities, said Wendi Caldwell, head of school, on behalf of academy leadership. The assault occurred when Dicer was employed by Highlands School District.
“After careful review, prayerful consideration and consultation with legal counsel, the decision was made to terminate his employment effectively immediately,” Penn Christian leadership said in a news release.
Dicer was hired Nov. 11, 2024, and was terminated Nov. 10, after the school became aware of the accusations Nov. 7.
“Our priority continues to be the safety, well-being and trust of our students, staff and families. We are committed to transparency within the bounds of what is legally and ethically appropriate,” the school said.
Dicer was charged with three felony counts of corruption of minors, two felony counts each of unlawful contact with minors, sexual extortion and sexual contact with a student, one felony count each of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse and indecent assault, and one misdemeanor count of corruption of minors.
One boy said he met Dicer at a park when he was 8 years old. Police said the boy saw Dicer as a father figure and would visit Dicer’s home.
Police said the boy reported that following an incident in the summer of 2021, the sexual assaults began and happened about 10 times. The boy told police he recalled being paid on at least five occasions until the activity stopped when school began that September.
The other boy told police Dicer offered them valuable items in exchange for sexual acts on multiple occasions.
Police said one of the boys began to tell Dicer he was going to tell people about the incidents after returning to school. Dicer reportedly would then apologize and give him anything he wanted, police said.
Police found Dicer has paid one of the boys more than $6,000 since 2022.
Allegheny County police believe there may be more victims and asked anyone with information to call 1-833-ALL-TIPS.
