PA Coach Jonathan Bell Arrested Again After Third, Fourth Victims Come Forward

Braden Keith
by Braden Keith 4

September 25th, 2012 National, News

Former Governor Mifflin School District swim coach and art teacher Jonathan Bell was arrested for the third time this summer on Monday on charges that he sexually assaulted two more students, according to court records.

Bell, 31, was charged with 6 new counts including involuntary deviate sexual intercourse and aggravated indecent assault of someone younger than 16.

This brings the total number of complainants against Bell to three, two of whom have come forward after the original arrest. The incidents in question range from as far back as 2003 to the original charge, which was alleged to have happened between 2010 and 2012. Bell is currently on suspension from the school district.

He has been released on $200,000 bail, bringing his total bail figure to $450,000.

Aside from his duties as the head coach of the swimming and water polo teams, he was also an art teacher at Exeter High School. The most recent arrest was not made on the basis of anything that was alleged to happen since August, rather it was on the reporting of information from prior swimmers.

According to the records, in one case, Bell showed an interest in the student’s artwork, after which he contacted her over the internet and eventually assaulted her in his car. The other victim told police that she was assaulted at his home during her junior year of high school and then at the pool while she was a senior.

There is no indication that Bell has any affiliation with USA Swimming, which the organization confirmed.

Bell’s arrest was peaceful, as he surrendered himself to the office of Cumru Township District Judge Nicholas M. Bents Jr. The prior two arrests occured on August 7th and August 16th.

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Bossanova
12 years ago

Better watch out with that comment you just made, ACTIVE CASE. The courts may hold you legally responsible for it.

Active Case
12 years ago

This is still an active criminal investigation. Let the court determine guilt. You can be held legally responsible for your comments on here.

Mirror Traffic
Reply to  Active Case
12 years ago

I will report your threatening comment to the FBI.

BYoung001
12 years ago

Yeeesh! I knew this guy from coaching summer league.

About Braden Keith

Braden Keith

Braden Keith is the Editor-in-Chief and a co-founder/co-owner of SwimSwam.com. He first got his feet wet by building The Swimmers' Circle beginning in January 2010, and now comes to SwimSwam to use that experience and help build a new leader in the sport of swimming. Aside from his life on the InterWet, …

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