Former substitute teacher at a Pittsburgh school pleads guilty to sexually abusing a student

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — A former substitute teacher in the Pittsburgh area must register as a sex offender for the next 25 years.

Damon Gall pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a student while working at Seton LaSalle Catholic High School in Mt. Lebanon. He pleaded guilty to enticement of a minor and indecent sexual assault of a person under 16 years of age.

According to the prosecution, Gall touched the girl inappropriately while working as a substitute teacher at the school from November 2023 to January 2024. In tears, the victim calmly addressed the court on Wednesday and said Gall’s behavior caused her to have panic attacks, she was afraid to go to school, she quit to be a better student and she developed obsessive thoughts.

When asked if he wanted to comment, Gall said he apologized for the situation.

Judge Bruce Beemer described it as downright heroic that the victim went public with the allegations. The judge explained to Gall that he had targeted a defenseless child and robbed her of her childhood.

Two of the original charges were dropped, but Gall must now serve seven years’ probation and pay court costs. He can never teach again.