MOUNT VERNON — A former Mount Vernon High School coach will serve a 60-day jail sentence after pleading guilty to two counts of disseminating matter harmful to juveniles.
On Oct. 4, Mount Vernon Municipal Court Judge John Thatcher sentenced Dylan Hess to 180 days in jail with 120 days suspended. He is to start his jail term within the next 14 days.
The 27-year-old Hess will also pay a $500 fine and court costs. In addition, he is on two years of probation, providing there are no further offenses.
He is required to complete a mental health assessment, follow through with the recommendations of that assessment regarding counseling, and follow through with the general rules of probation.
Additionally, Hess is to have no contact with any youth team or club while on probation.
“The nature and circumstances of the offense is serious and more egregious than the court normally sees,” Thatcher said — first because the offense involved juveniles, and second because Hess abused a position of trust.
If Hess violates any terms of his sentencing, the court can sentence him up to 120 days on each additional charge.
Mount Vernon Law Director Rob Broeren said Count A involves a photograph shown to one victim. Count B consists of a series of texts involving a former MVHS teacher that Hess showed to multiple victims. The teacher is no longer at the school.
Both counts are first-degree misdemeanors and carry a maximum fine of $1,000 and up to 180 days in jail. The incidents occurred during the 2022 spring baseball season.
Hess pleaded guilty to the charges on Aug. 22.
“We prosecuted this matter and were up front with Mr. Hess’ lawyer that unless he pleaded to the charges as brought, we were going to try this case,” Broeren said. “I agree with the judge that this type of person in authority — who abuses that authority and exposes our children to inappropriate things — needs to be punished to the fullest extent of the law.
“I am grateful that the court did recommend intervention services, and hopefully, this will help the child victims in this matter to move forward,” he added.
Broeren said he appreciated the efforts of School Resource Officer Jeremiah Armstrong and Mount Vernon Police Detective Tim Arnold in investigating the case.
“Based on the evidence we had already gathered, [Mr. Hess] had to admit to the charges,” he said.
Several family members were present for Monday’s sentencing. One father read his victim impact statement to the court.
“Kids should be able to trust those in leadership,” he said, adding that showing a photo of a nude woman and boasting of sexual prowess is highly inappropriate. “This is not a coach who made an error. This is a sexual deviant and a threat to our children.”
The father requested Thatcher sentence Hess to the maximum allowed and order a mandatory treatment program and supervision.
Hess’ attorney, Brandon S. Crunkilton, told the court there are no words that would change or justify Hess’ conduct and agreed counseling would be useful. He also noted the sentence would include incarceration, which will be helpful in rehabilitation.
