Crime & Safety
Convicted Of Sexual Abuse In 2017, Silver Spring Teacher Released
John Anthony Vigna, a former teacher at a Silver Spring school, was released after his 2017 sexual abuse conviction was overturned in July.
SILVER SPRING, MD — A former Silver Spring elementary school teacher, who was convicted of the sexual abuse of students in 2017, was released from prison after his case was overturned in July.
John Anthony Vigna, who is now 58, was originally convicted of inappropriately touching female students between August 2001 to February 2016 at Cloverly Elementary School on Briggs Chaney Road in Silver Spring, according to police. He had been a teacher at the school since October 1991.
Sentenced to 48 years in prison, Vigna filed several appeals, including the U.S. Supreme Court, which declined to hear his case, according to Fox 5 DC.
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With the help of a new attorney, Vigna filed for post-conviction relief, saying that his original attorney had made mistakes that may have affected the outcome of his case, according to Fox 5 DC's report. Circuit Court Judge David agreed and vacated the conviction, giving Vigna a new trial.
Read: Former Silver Spring Elementary Teacher Convicted of Sex Abuse Charges
Find out what's happening in Silver Springfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Since Vigna's original conviction, other victims have come forward. The Special Victims Unit of the Montgomery County Department of Police are asking any other potential victims to call detectives at 240-773-5050.
Anyone who wishes to provide information about this case can visit the Crime Solvers of Montgomery County, Maryland website at www.crimessolversmcmd.org and click on the www.p3tips.com link at the top of the page or call 1-866-411-8477 or 240-773-5050.
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