Feds involved in investigation of Freeport Area teacher accused of sexually assaulting minor

Pennsylvania State Police say they’re sharing information with investigators at the Department of Homeland Security, which may result in federal charges against Jared Lampus, the Freeport Area teacher and former volleyball coach accused of sexually abusing a minor.

Lampus, 50, of Buffalo Township is already facing a dozen state charges, including rape and sexual assault.

His case proceeded to Butler County Court on Tuesday after he pleaded not guilty at his preliminary hearing.

State Trooper Timothy Reilly said additional charges in federal court or other jurisdictions is “an avenue that’s being explored.”

That’s because the victim alleged Lampus had sex with her in hotel rooms in Columbus, Ohio, and Indianapolis during volleyball tournaments in those cities in addition to the numerous sexual incidents that police said took place throughout Allegheny, Butler and Armstrong counties.

A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said in a statement: “Homeland Security Investigations was involved in this operation that led to the arrest of this pedophile. We will continue to partner with all law enforcement agencies to protect vulnerable members of our communities.”

FBI Public Affairs Specialist Bradford Arick said the bureau’s Pittsburgh office is not currently involved in the case.

Nya Hairston, a spokeswoman for the Franklin County, Ohio, prosecutor’s office, said they are not aware of the case, and Marion County, Indiana, district attorney spokesman Michael Leffler said nothing had made it their office, either.

The alleged victim said the encounters began when she was 16 after she started receiving private volleyball lessons from Lampus in 2023, which she continued to pay for throughout the years of abuse, according to her testimony.

She testified at the hearing that she did not feel she could tell Lampus “no.” She said Lampus repeatedly told her he would kill himself if she revealed the abuse. She also said she was worried about her volleyball career.

He remains in Butler County jail in lieu of a $500,000 bond.

Lampus’ formal arraignment is set for Oct. 14.