Local Teacher Accused Of Raping Student
Police Say DNA Evidence Links Man To Crime
POSTED: Monday, October 27, 2003
UPDATED: 9:20 pm EST October 27,
2003
Some local residents are shocked to find a popular teacher and soccer coach has been arrested for allegedly raping a student, Local 4 reported.
Paul Ivity, 31, a physical education teacher and coach of the junior varsity girls and boys soccer teams at Gerisch Middle School in Southgate, was taken into custody Monday.
Police say a 15-year-old girl -- a player on the girl's soccer team -- had apparently been drinking at Ivity's home in August when he took advantage of her.
The teen was reportedly too drunk to resist, but she later went to the hospital to be treated, according to police.
School officials and students were shocked to hear of the allegations against Ivity (pictured, left), who, according to one girl was everyone's favorite teacher, Local 4 reported.
Southgate schools Superintendent Dave Peden says Ivity has been suspended.
"In all my dealings with him, I never had any problems with him. I'm just shocked," said Peden.
Police say they have DNA evidence linking Ivity to the alleged crime. Detectives are urging any other possible victims to come forward, the station reported.
"This young lady came forward and that alone is a very courageous act," said Chief Larry Hall of the Southgate Police Department.
Ivity, who's reportedly a married man, faces four counts of first-degree rape, which carries a maximum penalty of life in prison.
Ivity's bond has been set at $10,000. If he's released, a judge has ordered he stay away from the school.
Copyright 2007 by
ClickOnDetroit.com.
All rights reserved. This material may
not be published, broadcast, rewritten
or redistributed.