FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — A former middle school teacher has admitted to sexually abusing young girls and was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole Tuesday.
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Channel 2′s Tom Regan was in Hapeville Tuesday, where one of the victims testified about how the abuse has impacted her life.
Coach Jomarcus Collins was initially a trusted mentor and role model at Hapeville Charter Middle Schools. But prosecutors said he had a dark side, arguing that Collins groomed and sexually abused at least four young girls, possibly more, going back to 2018.
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At his sentencing hearing Tuesday morning, a victim advocate read the impact statements from several victims.
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“My friends and I have been victims of sexual assault perpetrated by our PE teacher, who we regarded as a trusted authority figure, manipulated into believing that what was happening was acceptable,” said Jasmine Drummond, a victim’s advocate.
Another victim, now 19, said Collins groomed her into a years-long sexual relationship beginning when she was 13.
“By the time I turned sixteen, I began to see our relationship for what it was, wrong, unethical, and flat out disturbing, and I saw him for what he was, a liar, manipulator, and a coward,” the victim said.
Despite her trauma, the young woman said she is now pursuing a degree in law.
In a gesture of unbelievable grace, she addressed her abuser, saying, “Collins, I forgive you. I harbor no hate toward you. I hope you find some kind of peace. And I pray that God has mercy on you.”
Before Collins pled guilty to 16 of 19 charges, he read a short statement, saying:
“I just really want to apologize and make sure people have closure and I’m really sorry,” Collins said. “It’s painful that’s about to happen to me but it’s painful for them as well. I just want to deeply apologize for that.”
Collins pleaded guilty to 16 of 19 charges. The judge sentenced him to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 30 years.
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