A former teacher and soccer coach at Faith Academy private school in Mobile will go to trial on charges he had a sexual relationship with a student.
Jonathan Daniel Sauers, 44, of Semmes, has pleaded not guilty of “school employee engaging in a sex act with a student under 19” and “school employee engaging in sexual contact with a student under 19.”
The trial was set for Jan. 7, 2025.
The case was initiated in March 2023 when the 16-year-old student’s parents reported her missing from Walmart. Her car was there, but she was nowhere to be found.
The teen eventually returned to her car after an hour and a half. The Mobile County Sheriff’s Office alleges Sauers picked her up at Walmart and drove her to a nearby location where they engaged in sexual contact.
When investigators questioned the girl, she admitted to having a sexual relationship with the teacher for several months.
A civil suit concerning the relationship has been filed against Sauers and the school.
Sauers is considered innocent until proven guilty.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
Don’t miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning.
