‘Sometimes sorry isn’t enough’
By Lauren Parker- Gill, News Editor, The Times
James Donato in a Times’ file photo.
WEST CHESTER – The former athletic director of the Coatesville Area High School, James Donato, was given a sentence of between two and 23 months in prison byChester County Court of Common Pleas Senior Judge Thomas G. Gavin in the presence of current Coatesville school board members, the superintendent of the district, parents, students and alumni, Thursday.
“Both my mother and sister were teachers…I have great respect for teachers.” Gavin stated at the beginning of the sentencing.
Referencing several previous cases and his 31 years on the bench, Gavin carefully explained his reasoning in deciding upon Donato’s sentence. Citing several other sentences handed down in the past to first-time offenders for thefts from both private and public entities.
The past sentences Gavin mentioned included cases he presided over as well as other judges in Chester County. In each case, several considerations were made; whether the defendant showed remorse, an ability to pay back monies and whether they seemed likely to commit more crime.
One case mentioned was that of former Coatesville Detective Gerald Pawling of Coatesville, who plead guilty to more than 100 felonies and misdemeanors, including thefts of more than $40,000 and forgeries. Pawling was sentenced to 11 and ½ to 23 months in prison.
Gavin stated that Donato, to his credit, showed remorse and had paid back the $15,000.
“I’ve waited three years to apologize,” Donato stated as he addressed the court. “Without question, this is not who I am or how I was raised.”
Donato said he was equally sorry for letting his family, friends, coaches and fellow athletic directors down.
Gavin stated that although he does not believe Donato will commit another crime, the case still deserved some serious consequences.
“Sometimes, saying sorry is not enough,” Gavin said, quoting the late county prosecutor John Crane.
Donato showed no reaction to the sentence, will serve everyday of the two months of the sentence before he will be eligible for parole. In addition he received five years of probation.
“I commend Judge Gavin for his well-reasoned and thought out sentence of Mr. Donato. While we were hoping for probation, Mr. Donato will serve his sentence knowing that he was finally able to apologize to the school district and those who his actions harmed,” stated Donato’s attorney, Daniel Bush in an email.
School board members and Taschner showed respect for the Gavin’s decision:
“The school board stands behind its original statement and the A.D.A.’s recommendation for the maximum sentence, however respects the decision of the court and Judge Gavin.” Snyder stated in a phone call.
“The court has spoken on this matter and The Coatesville Area School District respects the decision of the court.” Said Taschner.
Cardamone could not be reached for comment.
Donato has until 10 a.m. Monday, Aug. 15, to turn himself in, so as to have the opportunity to explain this to his family, including his children.
This article should have mentioned that Mr. Donato will lose his state pension as a result of having pleaded guilty to felony theft. This crime is listed in the Pension Forfeiture Act for members of the Public School Employees’ Retirement System (PSERS).
Although this article did not mention that Mr. Donato will not be obligated to testify at the trial of Superintendent Como, other sources confirmed this decision. Sounds like a deal where none was necessary.