James Pahcoddy, a 50-year-old former teacher and coach at Anadarko Public Schools, pleaded guilty in Caddo County District Court this week to eight counts of sexual battery against students. According to court documents, Pahcoddy admitted to abusing at least four victims under the age of 16 over a seven-year period beginning in August 2008 and ending in December 2015. Judge Kory Kirkland sentenced him to serve ten years per count, with the first two counts to be served consecutively in the Oklahoma Department of Corrections. The remaining six counts were suspended, along with $1,500 in fines.
What happens after conviction? Pahcoddy will be required to register as a sex offender and comply with special supervision conditions. The case has been moving through the legal system since Pahcoddy’s initial appearance in May 2023, when he was released on $1,500 bail. The guilty plea means victims avoided having to testify at trial and relive traumatic experiences in a courtroom. For families in the Anadarko and Caddo County communities, this resolution provides a sense of accountability, though the impact on students and families will be long-lasting.
It’s worth noting that a related case involving Keith Alan Knight, the former transportation director at Anadarko Public Schools, resulted in a not guilty verdict following a jury trial in April 2024, even though he faced identical charges. This distinction highlights how evidence and testimony can lead to different outcomes in the criminal justice system. For parents wondering about school safety, experts recommend staying informed about your district’s background check policies, knowing how to report concerns, and maintaining open communication with your children about their school experiences. What questions do you have about how schools protect students in our community?
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Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.
