Hopkins’ defense lawyers attempted to justify his activities during the trial by arguing that he had autism and was unaware that what he was doing was improper. However, former school HR director
Carrie Hester claimed that she saw Hopkins’ erection on the video. The fact that Hopkins did not treat his male students equally was another factor raised by the prosecution. Hopkins exclusively
Touched the girls, despite the fact that there were both boys and girls in the gym when the sexual contact occurred.
Hopkins’ actions “appalled” and “disgusted” the parents who watched the tapes. As parents and kids testified against the former gym teacher, one father claimed that “[Hopkins] put her on his lap,
Spread her legs, tickle her, nuzzling, and all while gym class was going on.” Of the 36 charges against John Austin Hopkins, a jury
