WEST PALM BEACH, FL – Former South Tech Academy teacher Damian Conte has been convicted of having an unlawful sexual relationship with a 16-year-old student. The jury reached their decision after deliberating for just 90 minutes, finding Conte guilty of the sexual charges but not guilty of playing any part in the student’s attempted suicide.
Conte remained impassive as the verdict was delivered. His defense team had argued there was no concrete evidence of sexual activity, maintaining that no such relationship took place.
The courtroom witnessed intense moments as prosecutors presented evidence, including a chain and rope found with the teenager in a wooded area. The discovery was made about a mile from where Conte had called 911, claiming to have saved the girl’s life.
Defense attorneys asserted that Conte was not involved in any suicide pact, and his 911 call was a genuine attempt to get help. They contended that the only evidence against Conte was the girl’s testimony, which did not implicate him in encouraging her suicide attempt.
Prosecutors, however, argued that Conte was attempting to delay the situation, hoping the teen would proceed with her plan, thereby eliminating evidence of their illicit relationship. They noted Conte had the girl’s location but did not immediately guide police to her.
The defense claimed Conte was overwhelmed and sought advice from a therapist, believing there was time to intervene. They described the relationship as a non-physical romantic connection, claiming explicit messages exchanged were merely fantasy.
Prosecutors countered by emphasizing the illegal nature of the relationship, dismissing the defense’s portrayal as a mere label-free romance.
The jury concluded there wasn’t enough evidence to convict Conte of assisting in the suicide attempt, from which the girl has since recovered. Prosecutors have refrained from commenting further until Conte’s sentencing on August 15.