Patrick N. Isgan, Assistant Principal, Allegedly Failed to Report Child Abuse | Chesnut Ridge

Patrick N. Isgan, an assistant principal at Chestnut Ridge Middle School in Pennsylvania, was arrested and charged in March 2024 in connection with allegations that he failed to report suspected child sexual abuse. 

Isgan, a mandated reporter, allegedly did not promptly notify ChildLine or law enforcement after receiving a report that a 12-year-old student had sexually harassed an eight-year-old-girl on a school bus. Investigators later determined that sexual assault had occurred and that additional children were harmed.

The Bedford County District Attorney has stated that Isgan’s failure to report suspected abuse allowed five additional children to be sexually assaulted; harm that could have been prevented through timely reporting.

According to investigators, six children, some as young as five and six years old, were known victims.

Allegations Involving Failure to Report Child Sexual Abuse

The criminal charges against Isgan focus on his alleged failure to act as a mandated reporter after receiving information suggesting that a minor student had engaged in inappropriate sexual conduct toward a younger minor.

According to reports, initial concerns emerged in November, but Isgan and the middle school principal did not report the suspected abuse to ChildLine at that time. 

Instead of making a mandated report as required under Pennsylvania law, Isgan apparently “conducted his own investigation.” 

Court records indicate that this internal response included reviewing limited information and addressing the behavior directly with the student, rather than alerting ChildLine or law enforcement: 

“Isgan then met with the 12-year-old old boy to discuss that he needs to keep his hands to himself and that he was not to pick on other students on the bus. The boy was removed from the bus for one day, due to his behavior, the report states.” (Altoona Mirror) 

It was not until February 7, following additional reports, that ChildLine was notified by Isgan. Afterwards, law enforcement became involved. By that point, investigators say, multiple students had been harmed during the intervening months. According to court documents, the 12-year-old student was suspended from school and admitted to the allegations during a school meeting. 

Court documents further detail the severity and duration of the abuse. According to reporting by the Altoona Mirror, “The sexual assaults include crimes of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, aggravated indecent assault and indecent assault. Court documents state the victims said the sexual assaults were occurring daily between Nov. 2, 2023, and Feb. 5, 2024.” 

Criminal Charges and Trial Schedule

Isgan was originally charged with 62 criminal counts, including felony and misdemeanor charges including endangering the welfare of children, failure to report or refer, and continuing failure to report or refer. Some charges were later dropped, while other counts remain pending.

Isgan is currently on unpaid leave from his position at Chestnut Ridge Middle School while the criminal case proceeds.

The case is being litigated in Bedford County. The trial is currently scheduled to begin on February 4, 2026.  A hearing on January 30, 2026, is expected to address what evidence will be permitted at trial.

Pennsylvania Department of Education Suspends Isgan’s Teaching Credentials

In addition to the criminal case, Isgan has been subject to professional discipline by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

On August 16, 2024, the Department of Education, through the Pennsylvania Professional Standards and Practices Commission, issued an order directing the immediate suspension of Isgan’s “certificates and the eligibility to be employed as a charter or cyber charter school staff member or a contracted educational provider staff member.”

Educator discipline proceedings are separate from criminal cases, applying a different standard focused on professional eligibility and student safety rather than criminal guilt or innocence

How Can A Civil Lawsuit Help Victims Seek Justice?

Civil lawsuits play a pivotal role in aiding victims of sexual abuse on their path to healing. Beyond seeking justice, these legal actions provide survivors with a platform to confront their abusers and hold them accountable. Through civil litigation, victims have the opportunity to reclaim their power and dignity, gaining a sense of validation.

Additionally, civil lawsuits can result in financial compensation, which may help survivors access crucial resources such as therapy, medical care, and support services. These legal proceedings can also raise awareness about the prevalence of sexual abuse and help prevent future incidents by sending a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated.

In essence, civil lawsuits not only empower survivors but also contribute to a broader societal effort to end sexual violence and promote accountability.

What Mandated Reporter Laws Require in Pennsylvania 

As a mandated reporter, Assistant Principal Patrick N. Isgan was entrusted with protecting the most vulnerable members of the community–the children in his care. Prosecutors allege that his failure to promptly report suspected child sexual abuse resulted in irreparable harm to multiple victims and underscores the serious consequences of inaction.

Pennsylvania law requires mandated reporters to immediately report suspected child abuse to ChildLine. Internal investigations, disciplinary measures, or attempts to assess credibility cannot replace mandatory reporting obligations under state law.

Can I File a Lawsuit Against Cedar Ridge?

You may have legal rights if your child was harmed due to Patrick N. Isgan’s alleged failure to report suspected abuse or the school’s failure to protect its students.

Schools and school districts can be held legally accountable when failures in supervision, reporting, or child-safety policies allow abuse to occur or continue. 

Andreozzi + Foote is a civil sexual abuse law firm practicing in Pennsylvania and nationwide, representing survivors in cases involving institutional failures, mandated-reporter violations, and other forms of negligence that allow abuse to occur or continue.

We understand how difficult it can be to talk about sexual abuse. 

Our compassionate legal team takes a trauma-informed approach and offers free, confidential case evaluations so survivors and families can learn more about their rights and legal options—at their own pace and without pressure.

(866)-311-8640

Contact us today.
info@vca.law

Image sources: Patrick N. Isgan, via Chestnut Ridge School District, Chestnut Ridge School District in Fishertown, PA, © Google, via Google Maps.