Boarding School Teacher Paul Geer Sentenced to 27 Years for Torturing and Sexually Abusing Students
Albany, NY – A former boarding school teacher and ‘family leader,’ Paul Geer, was sentenced to nearly three decades in federal prison for the horrific sexual abuse and torture of two students under his care. The sentencing, announced on September 4, 2025, marks a critical moment in delivering justice for the victims and highlights the grave abuses that occurred within the Family Foundation School.
The Crimes and Sentence
At 58 years old, Paul Geer was handed a sentence of 327 months—equivalent to 27 years and 3 months—in federal prison. The court also ordered three years of supervised release post-incarceration and mandated that Geer register as a sex offender. These penalties follow his conviction in March 2025 by a federal jury on multiple counts including coercion, transportation, and sexual abuse of minors.
- Convicted of two counts of coercing and enticing children across state lines for unlawful sexual activity
- Convicted of two counts of transporting children with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity
Prosecutors detailed that Geer used his position of authority at the Family Foundation School—a boarding school where he taught from 1994 through 2001—to impose brutal disciplinary measures on students, which they characterized as tantamount to torture.
Abusive Tactics and Exploitation of Authority
Geer’s abuses included:
- Depriving students of adequate nutrition, sometimes forcing them to consume regurgitated food
- Binding students in rugs and isolating them in confined rooms for extended periods
- Forcing students into strenuous physical labor as punishment
These harsh sanctions helped him exert control and coercion over the students, enabling the sexual abuse that occurred during trips to Maine and Toronto. The victims were boys aged 15 and 16, whom Geer sexually abused while exploiting his roles as a music teacher, choral director, and family leader.
Justice Served and Community Impact
U.S. Attorney John Sarcone III condemned Geer’s actions in a powerful statement, saying:
“As a teacher, Geer was supposed to help his students become better versions of themselves. Instead, Geer used his position of power to torture these children physically, emotionally, and psychologically. When Geer believed his tactics had been sufficiently effective in breaking these children and scaring them into silence, he proceeded to sexually abuse them. These children deserved to be protected, to be cared for, and to be helped, but Geer viewed these children only as a means to his sadistic and predatory end. Geer is now paying the price for his heinous conduct and will spend the next 27 years where he deserves to be, in a cage.”
This sentencing sends a strong message about the accountability of individuals who abuse positions of trust and authority. It also raises awareness about the vulnerabilities faced by students in boarding school environments.
Background and Further Reading
This case is part of a broader crackdown on sexual abuse in educational settings. For detailed information, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York released statements on the sentencing and conviction, and local news outlet Syracuse.com covered the story extensively.
Learn more about this case and related updates on True Crime News.
What Can We Learn from This Case?
- The importance of safeguarding children in institutional environments
- The necessity of vigilant oversight and prompt reporting of abuse
- The critical role of legal systems in punishing perpetrators and protecting victims
What do you think about this case? Have you or someone you know ever experienced or witnessed abuse in educational institutions? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!