Maryland Criminal Defense Attorney Negotiates Probation for Teacher Accused of Child Sex Abuse

Written by staff writer

A former Montgomery County elementary school teacher pleaded guilty Monday to misdemeanor assault charges for the alleged inappropriate touching of four 11-year-old girls, resulting in three years of probation and a ban on teaching children under the age of 16 throughout that period. The plea, however, did little little to explain whether 31-year-old Timothy Krupica was actually guilty of more serious child sex abuse claims and chose to plead to the lesser crimes in an effort to avoid extensive jail time and further damage to his reputation, or to spare the alleged victims the ordeal of testifying in trial.

Circuit Court Judge Richard E. Jordan, who presided over the matter, speculated that no one will likely ever know the truth and was quoted by the Washington Post as saying, “I don’t know if any of us will know — any of us, no matter which side people are on — what the truth is.”

Prosecutors said only that Jordan illegally touched the children, who were students at Meadow Hall Elementary School, and said the elementary school teacher’s actions were “inappropriate and unconsented to,” the Washington Post article states.

Police charging documents filed earlier this year stated Krupica fondled three girls on the private areas of their bodies, outside of their clothing. The police reports also state the former teacher forced, or tried to force, all four girls to fondle him on the outside of his clothing. An indictment soon followed, bringing four counts of sex abuse and seven counts of sex offense. Had Krupica been convicted on all counts, his maximum exposure could have resulted in more than a decade in prison.

Instead, he was sentenced to the three years of probation and given a 12-year suspended sentence, also called “backup” time. That means that Krupica could still go to prison if he is found in violation of his probation. As part of the agreement, which was worked out between Krupica’s lawyer and the prosecution on the eve of his trial, Krupica also admitted to second-degree assault, which does not fall under the classification of a sex crime in Maryland. Rather, the charge covers an extremely broad range of crimes, including threatening, touching or punching. Different criteria apply in Virginia, for more information click here.

In discussing the plea deal with reporters, Krupica’s attorney, Jeffrey Harding, said, “He has, from day one, adamantly denied that there was any sexual contact with these students. This plea reflects that.” Krupica said very little during the hearing and he has not conducted any interviews since his conviction. Montgomery County school district officials confirmed earlier this year that he is no longer employed within the school system. His criminal defense lawyer told reporters that he has no interest in teaching and now hopes to pursue a career in wildlife or forestry management.

The somewhat ambiguous resolution to the case will likely prove difficult for both supporters and critics of Krupica. When news broke of the allegations, many faculty members, students and parents became sharply divided over who they believed. Krupica maintains a staunch group of supporters — consisting of family, friends, parents of students, and teachers — all of whom describe him as a personable and enthusiastic educator who was fondly referred to as Mr. K. And Krupica’s attorney indicated in court filings that he planned to question the credibility of the victims if the case went to trial, asserting that two of the girls made their accusations after Krupica told administrators he saw the girls bullying and harassing another student.

Outside of court, it was clear that the two sides remain divided. Two mothers of the alleged victims spoke to reporters, describing the turmoil their daughters have suffered. One of the mothers told Krupica’s supporters that casting the girls as liars was causing further harm and asked that everyone move forward in a respectful manner.

The severity of the charges, and the subsequent fall-out for both Mr. Krupica and the children, underscores the importance of retaining a well-qualified child sex abuse lawyer in such a case. For more information on what to do if you or someone you know has been charged with child sex abuse in Maryland, click here.