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  Ex-Coach Ordered to Pay Victim $751,257
Damages Awarded to Girl He Molested at Pottsville School

Morning Call
October 11, 2008

http://www.mcall.com/news/local/all-a4_5molestation.6625497oct11,0,95571.story

Former Pottsville Nativity High School track coach Daniel M. Shields Jr. was ordered Thursday to pay $751,257 in compensatory and punitive damages to a Schuylkill County girl he molested and secretly videotaped undressing.

A headline in Friday's editions listed an incorrect amount. The Allentown Catholic Diocese and Pottsville Nativity reached a confidential settlement in May with the girl, but that amount was not disclosed, at the girl's request.

The complete cost of the settlement with the diocese and school was funded by the diocese's insurance program, according to diocese spokesman Matt Kerr.

Shields in March 2007 pleaded guilty to four counts of sexual abuse of children, five counts of invasion of privacy and two counts of indecent assault for molesting the girl and secretly videotaping her and two other girls in the school locker room. Prosecutors dropped the most serious charge, aggravated indecent assault.

In May 2007, Shields was sentenced to 11/2 to four years in state prison -- meaning he could be eligible for parole as early as next month. But he'll serve six more years on probation and, as a convicted sex offender, must register his address with state police for 10 years.

 
 

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