“The punishment simply does not fit the crime.”

Former CVHS teacher Keita Hasegawa, who was charged with 18 felonies for alleged sexual abuse of a minor, avoided prison time and had all but one charge dropped through a plea deal.

“My colleagues on the governance team and I were all extremely disappointed to learn that a plea is set to be accepted that not only eliminates 99% of the charges, but also allows Hasegawa to essentially walk out of court free, with no jail time,” wrote school board member Sara Raymond, speaking for the full board.

Hasegawa was charged with 18 felonies, including 10 counts of contacting a minor with intent to commit a sex crime. However, on Aug. 21, he pleaded no contest to only one of those counts.

“This event has been exceptionally damaging to our student body, as well as to the community that loves and supports our kids,” said Raymond.

Hasegawa was charged last year and posted $600,000 bail after his arrest. The terms of his release included a victim restraining order, not being allowed near unaccompanied minors, restriction from social media, and wearing an ankle monitor. 

As a part of his plea deal, Hasegawa’s year spent with the ankle monitor will count towards his one year prison sentence and he will not serve any time. He will also be registered as a sex offender for life.

At his sentencing hearing on Sept. 26, Judge Kimberly Colwell called Hasegawa’s conduct “heinous” but accepted the plea agreement to settle the case. 

An investigation into Hasegawa began on March 21, 2023, when Principal Christopher Fortenberry alerted authorities after learning that Hasegawa was at the victim’s home. Hasegawa knew the victim since she was 11. The offenses he was charged with, however, allegedly occurred in 2021 and 2022 when the victim was 14 and 15. 

“School districts can work with vigilance and integrity to protect student safety and wellbeing, but our court system fails to provide what we believe to be sufficient justice,” said school board president Michael Kusiak, speaking for the full board.

Police say the sexual assault continued on and off CVHS campus when the victim was 13. Police also found lewd text messages and content sent between Hasegawa and the victim. 

Hasegawa’s attorney, Alanna Coopersmith, did not reply to a request for comment.