Geauga County, OH – Devin Hernandez, a former assistant strength and conditioning coach at Hawken School, pleaded guilty Thursday to two counts of third-degree sexual battery in Geauga County Common Pleas Court.
Former Hawken School Coach Pleads Guilty in Abuse Case
Hernandez, 30, of Mayfield Heights, had originally faced five counts of sexual battery. Prosecutors agreed to dismiss three of the charges in exchange for the plea, according to court records. Prosecutors allege Hernandez engaged in a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old Hawken student between March and May 2023. Although Ohio’s age of consent is 16, state law prohibits sexual conduct between minors and adults who hold positions of authority, such as teachers or coaches.
Guilty Plea Reduces Original Charges
Each charge carries a possible prison term of up to five years. If sentenced to prison time, Hernandez will also face lifetime registration as a Tier III sex offender, which requires reporting in person every 90 days.
Employment History and Legal Proceedings
Hernandez was employed at Hawken from July 2021 until his resignation in August 2023, when he accepted a position at Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin School in Chardon. He was arrested in April and subsequently placed on administrative leave by Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin, with officials barring him from their campus.
Legal Options for Families After Abuse by a Coach
When a coach or authority figure violates the trust placed in them, families are often left with difficult questions about accountability and recovery. In this interview, Ohio lawyer John Bey shares the legal options available to victims and their families, including both criminal actions and civil claims that can address the harm caused and hold institutions responsible.
Laurence Banville, Esq.: When a student is abused by a coach, what legal remedies are typically available in Ohio?
John Bey, Esq.: Victims have both criminal and civil options. The state prosecutes criminal charges, as we saw here, but survivors can also file civil lawsuits against the individual coach and potentially the school if there’s evidence the institution failed to act responsibly.
Banville: How does the law treat consent in cases involving minors and authority figures?
Bey: Even if the student is above the general age of consent, Ohio law recognizes that coaches, teachers, and similar authority roles carry special responsibilities. The law prohibits sexual conduct in these circumstances because of the power imbalance and the potential for coercion.
Banville: For families, what steps should they consider after discovering abuse?
Bey: It’s important to contact law enforcement immediately, but from a civil standpoint, they should consult an attorney who focuses on abuse cases. This ensures prompt investigation, evidence preservation, and assessment of whether the school or organization can be held accountable for negligence.
Banville: So victims may have a path not only to hold abusers criminally responsible but also to seek compensation through civil claims?
Bey: That’s correct. Civil claims can cover damages such as therapy costs, lost opportunities, and emotional suffering. It also helps reinforce institutional accountability, making it less likely the same failures repeat.
Support for Families Starts Here
Victims and their families should never feel they have to carry this burden alone. Our legal team is here to listen, guide, and stand with you every step of the way. If you or someone you love has been harmed by a coach or authority figure, contact us today for a free consultation to learn how we can help protect your rights and seek accountability.
