CLEVELAND — A former St. Edward High School teacher has received a sentence of probation for attempting to meet a teen for sex.
Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Judge Nancy Margaret Russo sentenced 32-year-old Patrick DeChant to three years of supervised community control on Wednesday. DeChant pleaded guilty to attempted unlawful sexual conduct with a minor last month.
As part of his plea deal, DeChant must register as a Tier II sex offender and was ordered to attend counseling sessions. He will not be permitted to be on social media and will have his phone and computer devices monitored.
Prior to his sentencing, DeChant made a statement apologizing for his actions. "I just want to say that I am extremely remorseful. I'm beyond sorry," he told the court. You can see his statement and Judge Russo's sentencing decision in the player above.
Back in October 2019, DeChant was arrested and charged with corruption of a minor after he allegedly tried to meet a 15-year-old boy.
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DeChant had been under investigation by the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force since mid September. Law enforcement sources say he had an online conversation with someone he thought was a 15-year-old boy. It was actually a task force agent.
Later, DeChant agreed online to meet someone he thought was a boy in an effort to engage in sexual conduct. Instead, he was met by task force agents, sources said.
DeChant and his family are long-time members of the St. Edward community, and his arrest stunned the school and families. DeChant was suspended by the school indefinitely in December and has since been fired.