Former high school chorus teacher Ryan Parker McKendrick, 40, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison, with the first three to serve in prison and the remainder on probation under sex offender special conditions, after pleading guilty to nine counts of sexual assault of a student.
The charges stem from allegations of sexual contact involving six high school girls under the age of 18, with the incidents occurring in 2017 and 2018.
Woodstock High School administration became aware of a concerning text conversation involving McKendrick and two female students in September 2018, which set off an investigation into McKendrick, who had been the school’s chorus teacher since 2007.
The Cherokee County School Police and Cherokee Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation and determined that many students had experienced similar behavior from McKendrick.
Assistant District Attorney Leyna Pope, Special Victims Unit, who prosecuted the case on behalf of the state, said the victims were clear about what the defendant had done to them, but some members of the community and their peers discounted their experiences. Pope added that the defendant’s actions were unlawful, and he groomed not only these girls but also everyone around him so that he could continue to engage in the troubling behavior.
Standing before the court in support of the plea, eight victims delivered emotional impact statements describing how traumatizing the abuse was. They shared their continued feelings of self-doubt and insecurity, wondering if he treated them special as part of grooming them. They confided that they still struggle with trusting anyone, especially those in positions of authority, according to court documents.
“It takes a very sick man to take advantage of vulnerable, underage girls in the ways that you did,” one victim said to the defendant during the plea hearing. “Today I let you go. And I hope it is the last time I will ever hear your name.”
Acting District Attorney Susan K. Treadaway said McKendrick used his position of authority to engage in inappropriate behavior including touching, groping, and sexual innuendo at a time when the victims were entrusted to his care as students. She added that his betrayal and abuse of power caused long-term trauma that these young women are still working through to this day.
To report suspected child abuse, call Child Protective Services at 855-422-4453. If the child is in immediate danger, call 911.
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