3 days ago
Live updates from day 3 of ex-SouthTech teacher Damian Conti's sex abuse trial
WEST PALM BEACH — Prosecutors continue to present their case against a former SouthTech Academy teacher accused of sexually abusing his student and aiding her suicide attempt.
Damian Conti, 37, maintains that his relationship with the 16-year-old was never sexual. He turned down 10- and 25-year plea offers ahead of this week's trial, opting instead to risk the 65-year maximum he faces if jurors convict him as charged.
The trial began Tuesday and is expected to last through Monday. Prosecutors have called several witnesses to testify, including a classmate who discovered explicit texts Conti sent the teen, and a Palm Beach County sheriff's deputy who informed Conti that the girl's suicide attempt failed.
He "didn't appear to like" that, the deputy said Thursday.
Day 1 updates: Student describes gifts, grooming and daily sex abuse at ex-SouthTech teacher's trial
The lengthiest and most graphic testimony came from the student who said Conti groomed, isolated and sexually abused her almost daily during the 2023-24 school year. She remained composed throughout her two-day time on the witness stand but collapsed and wept once it concluded.
Jurors, dismissed from the courtroom minutes earlier, did not see her fall.
Once prosecutors rest their case, Conti's team of public defenders will begin presenting their own. Assistant Public Defender Lily Boehmer has begun to portray the girl not only as a willing participant but as an instigator of the relationship Conti maintains was strictly emotional.
"They pushed the boundary, but they never crossed it," Boehmer said Tuesday.
Lewd text messages prosecutors read aloud Thursday suggested otherwise. Follow along for updates throughout Friday's proceedings.
Day 2 updates: Jury hears texts sent from SouthTech teacher Damian Conti to student
This story will update.
Hannah Phillips covers criminal justice at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach her at hphillips@ Help support our journalism and subscribe today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Live updates: Day 3 of Damian Conti's student sex abuse trial begins
