Paul Geer, a former teacher from Hancock, New York, has been convicted by a federal jury on charges related to coercing and transporting minors for unlawful sexual activities. The trial lasted two weeks and concluded with the jury finding Geer guilty on two counts of coercion and enticement of minors across state lines, as well as two counts of transporting them with criminal intent. However, the jury did not reach a unanimous decision on two additional charges.
Acting United States Attorney Daniel Hanlon and FBI Special Agent Craig Tremaroli announced the verdict. Evidence presented during the trial revealed that Geer abused his position at the Family Foundation School in Hancock to impose severe disciplinary measures on students. These included depriving children of food or forcing them to consume regurgitated food, binding them in rugs, isolating them for long periods, and subjecting them to forced labor.
The evidence further demonstrated that in 1994 and 2001, Geer coerced two students into traveling with him to Maine and Toronto under false pretenses. During these trips, he sexually abused both victims.
Following the verdict, Geer was taken into custody. His sentencing is scheduled for July 9, 2025, in Albany. Each count of coercion carries a potential sentence of up to 10 years in prison and fines up to $250,000. The transportation charges carry a maximum sentence of 15 years each along with similar fines.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI with support from New York State Police and Colonie Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica N. Carbone, Adrian S. LaRochelle, and Michael D. Gadarian prosecuted this case under Project Safe Childhood—a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 aimed at combating child sexual exploitation.
Project Safe Childhood focuses on locating offenders who exploit children via the Internet while rescuing victims through coordinated efforts between federal, state, and local resources.
For more information about Project Safe Childhood visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.