Washington AT Charged with Sexual Misconduct

A high school athletic trainer at Hockinson (Wash.) High School is being charged with sexual misconduct against a 16-year-old student.

Jason Meharry (26) has pled not guilty to three counts of first-degree sexual misconduct with a minor.

Meharry is an athletic trainer at Hockinson, where he treats student-athletes in need of physical therapy. Court documents state that Meharry has an office at the school where he “acts in a supervisory role and adviser at Hockinson High School when overseeing students requiring medical attention.

According to a report from The Columbian, Meharry has admitted to investigators that he started dating the student in December and that she came to his apartment on four occasions, during which time they had sexual contact. The girl said that she and Meharry had been on two dates, took selfies together and kissed.

Hockinson has placed Meharry on administrative leave. Washington State law says a person is guilty of first-degree sexual misconduct if they have sex with a 16-year-old who is at least five years younger, if the person abuses a supervisory position that have over a victim younger than 18, or if the person is a school employee and has sex with an underage student.

Meharry was an employee of ProActive Physical Therapy Specialists and contracted by Hockinson. ProActive's website states that 100 percent of its therapists have "advanced physical therapy degrees at either the Masters or Doctorate level, allowing them to provide the highest standard of care to our patients. Additionally, each member of our staff consistently exceeds the minimum hours of continuing education that state rules require for licensure."

Meharry’s trial is set for July 9, and he is not being held in custody.