Following the arrest of a former Highlands School District teacher, Allegheny County Police suspect there may be additional victims in the sexual assault case involving Sean Dicer. According to WPXI, detectives reached this conclusion after media coverage prompted new information to come to light.
Dicer, 53, has been charged with multiple offenses, including involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, corruption of minors, and sexual extortion. The allegations stem from incidents in 2021 involving two boys who were then 11 and 12 years old, respectively. Having worked in the Highlands School District, Dicer was in a position of authority over the students he allegedly assaulted, and is reported to have paid one of the victims more than $6,000 since 2022 to ensure silence, WTAE revealed.
The Superintendent of the Highlands School District, Monique Mawhinney, addressed the issue in a statement obtained by WTAE, emphasizing the importance of adhering to protocols when allegations of inappropriate teacher-student relationships arise. Protection of the students is paramount, as they enforce discipline and coordinate with investigations accordingly. Meanwhile, a parent expressed relief to Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 that justice might be served and the children would receive the necessary help.
For individuals suspecting sexual abuse or with knowledge of potential victims, Allegheny County Police has made a Tip Line available at 1-833-ALL-TIPS. Moreover, Mandeep Gill, the county's director of child welfare, emphasized the importance of reporting abuse, regardless of when it occurred, telling WTAE, "But nonetheless, they are really important that we treat those disclosures as serious as when those incidents occurred." Reports to ChildLine about suspected abuse can be made by calling 1-800-932-0313. Sean Dicer is currently being held in the Allegheny County Jail and is scheduled to appear in court on December 17.
