Former teacher to be deported after attempted sex assault

BRIGHTON - A former Brighton teacher will be deported to Ireland after serving a 90-day sentence following a conviction of attempted sex assault on a child.

Ralph Kelly faced six years in prison after pleading guilty about two months ago to attempted sexual assault on a child between 15 and 18 years old by a person in a position of trust.

The incident happened on Dec. 4, 2007. Kelly was accused of threatening to fail a male student if he did not perform a sex act on him. The arrest affidavit stated that Kelly told the 16-year-old student, "If you cherish your grades, you'll do what I say." At Friday's sentencing hearing, however, the sex act was described by prosecutors as "mutual."

Kelly, a former social studies and German teacher, will spend 90 days in the Adams County Jail before being deported to Ireland since he is not a U.S. citizen.

His defense attorney, Lisa Wayne, asked the court not to sentence Kelly to jail time, saying his Irish nationality and sexual orientation would make him a target in prison.

"Sending him to prison, Judge, I'm concerned for his life," said Wayne. "I don't think he'll make it."

Wayne said it was punishment enough that Kelly, who has been in the US for six years on a visa, would lose his chance to become an American citizen and finish his ongoing masters degree education.

"This young man has ruined his life based on his actions," said Wayne. "He will never, ever be able to return to this country."

Wayne offered letters of support for Kelly from former students and several golfing buddies offered statements in support of Kelly.

Prosecutors said it was not a "popularity contest."

Prosecutors alleged that an additional victim came forward with claims against Kelly. Those allegations are from more than a decade ago when Kelly was working as a young boy's au pair in New York City.

Evidence of a third inappropriate relationship was found in letters confiscated from Kelly, prosecutors said.

Judge Francis Wasserman did not consider evidence related to either of the additional alleged victims in reaching a sentence, he said.

Wasserman said Kelly was in denial about his behavior.

"You held all the cards. You held all the power over this kid and you took advantage of him," said Wasserman.

Kelly is the third teacher at Brighton Collegiate High School, formerly know as Brighton Charter School, to be accused of sexually assaulting a student.

In separate cases in 2006, former teacher Carrie McCandless and former substitute teacher David Mundy, Jr. were convicted of having sexual contact with students.

Wayne said the school encouraged teachers to have close communication with students, including afterschool phone calls and text messages.

"This charter school has had some trouble with boundaries," said Wayne.

Kelly addressed the court and, through tears, apologized for his actions.

"I went too far," said Kelly. "I take full and complete responsibility."