Devin A. Hernandez, a former coach at Hawken Upper School and current associate athletic director at Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin School (NDCL), has been charged with one count of sexual battery, as announced on Tuesday. As reported by WKYC, Hernandez allegedly engaged in sexual conduct with a 17-year-old student at Hawken between March and May of 2023. The 30-year-old Mayfield Heights resident was an assistant strength conditioning coach then. Geauga County Prosecutor James Flaiz stated that the charge carries a maximum potential sentence of five years in prison.
Now facing the legal consequences of his actions, Hernandez was released after posting a $20,000 bond following his arraignment in Chardon Municipal Court. As the investigation by local authorities continues, additional charges may be brought forward. NDCL, where Hernandez was employed following his tenure at Hawken, swiftly placed the accused on administrative leave upon learning of the arrest. In a statement obtained by Cleveland19 News, Dr. Jacqueline Hoynes, President of NDCL, emphasized that the allegations are not connected to their school's community.
The charge of sexual battery pertains specifically to Hernandez's conduct at Hawken, with court documents revealing the timeframe of the alleged abuse. A spokesperson for NDCL informed FOX8 News that Hernandez had been barred from the school's campus, and the school emphasized its commitment to student and staff safety. Before hiring him, the employee passed all background checks and had no criminal history. Once we became aware of this, the employee was placed on leave and will not be permitted back on campus under any circumstances," the spokesperson told FOX8.
A preliminary hearing is set for April 8, which may offer further developments in this case. Both Hawken School and Hernandez have yet to comment publicly on the charges. The school sent a notice to parents and members of NDCL informing them of the arrest and investigation and assuring them that the safety and security of the school environment continue to be of the utmost importance. The arrest has sparked concerns over the safety protocols and background checks implemented by educational institutions in situations where no prior criminal history is evident.
