Pennsylvania teachers convicted of sex crimes are still getting state pensions

Former Pennsylvania educators convicted of sex crimes against students are still getting paid by the state, according to a report from WJAC-TV. The station investigated five instances where a former school employee was convicted of a sex crime against a student and are still receiving an active pension. Each pension case is legal, according to Pennsylvania state law. "I think if you commit a crime, you shouldn't be entitled to your pension," said Cambria County superintendent Dr. Vincent DiLeo told WJAC. "Personally I think that's a travesty. But I didn't write the law and you follow what the law says. They're entitled to their money and they get it." Even those convicted of certain sex crimes get money from the state. The funds come from teacher contributions, investments and taxpayer dollars. One of the cases investigated by WJAC involved a former Meyersdale Area School District teacher. In 2006, police alleged the former educator carried on a 14-month relationship with a student at the high school. The allegation was confirmed through a Pennsylvania Department of Education certificate actions report. Somerset County prosecutors originally charged the teacher with 15 counts. But, according to court records, 13 charges were withdrawn, except one count of indecent assault and one count of corruption of minors. According to that report, the teacher surrendered his teaching license on March 8th, 2006. He started receiving pension payments the next day, according to pension data. The Public School Employees' Retirement System reports he's received a total of $429,399.50 as of December 2015.