A school resource officer in Pennsylvania, Costas Nick Alestas, was recently arrested for pressuring a 14-year-old student into a sexual relationship and molesting her during a school dance he was chaperoning. Additionally, he was accused of taking a disturbing video of an 11-year-old girl at East Hills Middle School in Bethlehem. The abuse came to light after the teenager confided in a guidance counselor about the relationship she had with Alestas. Her mother had previously discovered inappropriate text messages between the two.
Bethlehem Police Department revealed that Alestas attempted to avoid capture by using a second phone number to communicate with the victim after his original number was discovered by her mother. However, the teenager quickly revealed the truth when questioned by investigators, stating that Alestas had given her his personal phone number while on school grounds. The communication between the two involved discussions about engaging in sexual acts, ultimately leading to sexual encounters between them.
During the investigation, it was found that Alestas and the teenager engaged in sexual contact both during the school day in his office and after school in his car. It was also mentioned that one incident occurred during a school dance while Alestas was on duty and in uniform. On the same day, he allegedly recorded a video of an 11-year-old victim, which was recovered by investigators. Further analysis of his phone revealed nearly 5,000 messages exchanged with the 14-year-old since March, as well as multiple phone calls.
Bethlehem Police Department expressed shock at Alestas’ arrest, claiming there was no indication that this behavior was occurring. Despite his status as a respected veteran of the department, Alestas was placed on administrative leave and faced charges including statutory sexual assault, institutional sexual assault, and invasion of privacy. He was unable to post bail and is currently being held in the county jail. It was also mentioned that Alestas was the second school resource officer in Northampton County to face charges in recent weeks for inappropriate behavior with a student.
John Smoke, a former school resource officer at Easton Area High School, was the first to be arrested after he allegedly sent explicit photos to an underage student. Concerns were raised by Northampton County District Attorney Stephen Baratta over the need for preventive measures to minimize opportunities for this type of misconduct. The incidents involving Alestas and Smoke highlight the importance of vigilance and proper protocols to ensure the safety and protection of students in schools.
