A former SouthTech Academy English teacher is currently on trial in Palm Beach County, accused of engaging in a sexual relationship with a then-16-year-old student and being connected to the student's attempted suicide. Damian Conti, 37, faces charges that include unlawful sexual activity with a minor and one count of attempting to commit assisted self-murder, CBS12 reports.
The victim, now 18, testified that the relationship escalated from flirty texts in 2023 to physical encounters and that Conti showered her with gifts such as gift cards, jewelry, and clothing. According to the defense, Conti admits to an inappropriate relationship but denies it became physical beyond a few kisses, as WPBF 25 News relayed. Yet, the prosecution has emphasized the predatory nature of Conti's actions, claiming he targeted the teen upon first sight.
One of the case's most harrowing details comes from an incident on February 6, 2024, when Conti was suspended from his job as a teacher. Allegedly, he participated in a trip to Home Depot with the student, where she purchased rope with the intent to end her life, CBS12 notes. The girl testified that Conti was aware of her suicidal intentions, yet entered the store with her to buy the rope. She subsequently attempted suicide but was fortunately saved by a sheriff's deputy.
Conti's defense attorney, Lily Boehmer argues that while their client's relationship with the student was emotionally inappropriate, he did not encourage her to harm herself and actually called 911 during her suicide attempt. This claim was presented in his defense alongside the assertion that he tried to prevent the student from harming herself, as WPBF 25 News detailed. Despite these arguments, the prosecution insists Conti played a complicit role in the student's suicide attempt.
Following his arrest, Conti's bond was set at $300,000 and he was ordered to have no contact with the alleged victim, her family, or any minors. His affiliation with SouthTech Academy has been severed, his name no longer listed on the school's website. Eileen Turenne, the principal of SouthTech Academy, has expressed the institution's cooperation with law enforcement but refrained from further comments on the ongoing investigation, per Hoodline. In addition to the criminal proceedings, the victim's family has filed a civil lawsuit against Conti and SouthTech Academy, seeking damages in excess of $75,000, alleging inappropriate conduct and negligence by the school's administration.
