Suspended School Dean Convicted of Sexual Misconduct

A suspended northeastern Pennsylvania high school dean accused of having had sex with a 16-year-old student a decade ago has been convicted of sexual misconduct.

Juror in Luzerne County deliberated for less than two hours Friday night before convicting 48-year-old Stephen Stahl of Hunlock Creek of one misdemeanor count of corruption of minors.

Stahl has been suspended from his position as dean of students at Wilkes-Barre's Coughlin High School. He said he was innocent and was attending a funeral when prosecutors alleged the relationship began.

Defense attorney Peter Paul Olszewski Jr. said his client was disappointed with the verdict. He had cited inconsistencies in police reports and the alleged victim's story and asserted that "there was no real investigation in this case."

Stahl is scheduled to be sentenced March 23.