A former employee of Elizabethtown Area Middle School has been sentenced to eight to 16 years in state prison for the sexual abuse of two middle school boys.
In February, Megan Carlisle admitted her guilt in two counts of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, two counts of statutory sexual assault, and 12 other charges connected to her inappropriate contact with two middle school students. Additionally, she faces two charges of institutional sexual assault.
Carlisle, who was employed at Elizabethtown Area Middle School until May 2023, engaged in inappropriate behavior with underage students. This behavior included performing sexual acts and providing them with gifts such as vape pods and an aquarium.
The boys and their families were absent during Carlisle’s sentencing, which gave her family the opportunity to discuss in detail the events that led to the abuse.
During the victims’ absence, Assistant District Attorney Fritz Haverstick emphasized the gravity of Carlisle’s offenses to the court.
Haverstick expressed doubt regarding Carlisle’s remorse for her actions, citing her no contest plea to institutional sexual assault in February.
When someone enters a no contest plea, it is important to note that it is not an admission of guilt. However, it is still regarded as a conviction. Carlisle admitted that the prosecution had sufficient evidence to potentially secure a conviction if the case had proceeded to trial.
Chris Sarno, the defense attorney, described Carlisle’s life as one that has been deeply affected by drug use and abuse.
Carlisle’s mother struggled with substance abuse during her pregnancy. Sarno mentioned that during Carlisle’s childhood, he endured regular instances of physical and sexual abuse.
According to Sarno, the impact of Carlisle’s difficult upbringing continued to affect her even after her first marriage, which was marked by abuse. However, after meeting her second husband, David Carlisle, and having two daughters, Carlisle decided to make a positive change in her life.
According to Sarno, Carlisle turned to alcohol and prescription drugs as a way to deal with post-traumatic stress and anxiety disorders. After receiving encouragement from friends, she decided to take up a position at Elizabethtown Area Middle School.
Carlisle’s two daughters and ex-husband addressed the court during Monday’s hearing. She has been hailed as a source of inspiration, with reports stating that she maintains regular contact with them despite being incarcerated.
David highlighted his ex-wife’s strong commitment to giving her daughters a joyful upbringing, which she had missed out on in her own childhood.
Carlisle expressed his apologies to the victims and their families, even though they were not present. She assured Reinaker that he would never witness her appearing on the unfavorable side of court again.
Reinaker emphasized the backing Carlisle received, which included correspondence from three employees of Lancaster County Prison. According to him, prisoners seldom receive any correspondence from prison staff.
While recognizing the challenges Carlisle encountered, he emphasized that they should not be used as a justification for her actions.