Paul Geer, a 56-year-old former teacher and choir director at the Family Foundation School in Hancock, New York, was arrested on April 3, 2024, and indicted on six federal criminal charges15. The charges allege that Geer coerced and enticed students to travel across state lines for the purpose of sexual abuse13.

Geer worked at the Family Foundation School from 1991 to 2014, where he was known as a gifted choir director and teacher1. However, behind this facade, Geer allegedly exploited his position of authority to perpetrate a cycle of abuse against vulnerable students13.

The indictment accuses Geer of severe disciplinary actions against students, including:

Depriving them of food

Forcing them to eat their own vomit

Binding them in rugs and isolating them for extended periods

Forcing them to perform physical labor1