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WILKES-BARRE TWP. — A former Coughlin High School shop teacher and alleged lookout for ex-Coughlin teacher Stephen F. Stahl, who was convicted of having a sexual relationship with a student, had his preliminary hearing canceled Thursday.
Brian David Hampel, 46, of Harris Pond Road, Sweet Valley, was scheduled to appear before District Judge Michael Dotzel for a preliminary hearing Thursday.
Hampel’s preliminary arraignment for the charge was in October.
According to court documents, an investigation by Luzerne County detectives revealed Hampel had inappropriate relationships with students. He allegedly visited parties held by Coughlin students at a home in Bear Creek that were held regularly on weekends.
Police said two witnesses advised them Hampel was “one of us” at the parties. Hampel allegedly brought half kegs and/or cases of beer to known party houses or parties in the woods, but would make someone else bring the alcohol into the party, police said.
The criminal complaint states that witnesses said Hampel would make out with students at the parties, including French kissing and touching of female genitalia.
Hampel was fired from Coughlin on Sept. 12 after he was alleged to have acted as a lookout for Stahl while Stahl had sexual contact with a student at the high school. Even though Hampel was accused as a lookout, the current charges apparently have no connection to the Stahl case.
Court documents indicate Hampel is free on bail.