We’ve drawn some heat over coverage of the Graspin’ Aspen Yoga teacher scandal – as if this isn’t an incredibly important topic that yogadorks great and small should be aware of and feel open to discuss. This is the world we live in! And for the record, we do not wish ill to the accused nor the accusers. So there. Anyways, the latest update comes today as Steven Jon Roger, the O2 Aspen yoga teacher, appeared in court on Tuesday to plead not guilty to six misdemeanor counts of unlawful sexual contact from separate incidents occurring between 2005 and 2008. A slew of witnesses are being gathered on deck to testify as the case moves to trial.
This past May, Roger was let off of two felony counts of sexual assault due to lack of evidence. Now the stage is set for trial in March as Roger seeks to clear his name from those misdemeanor counts, which each hold a maximum threat of 2 years in the clinker. Probably worse than that is if he’s found guilty on any of the charges he’ll be required to register as a sex offender, as he absolutely should if he is indeed guilty. By this point, though, his reputation has already been given the reach around.
So chillins, this sorta feels like the makings of a PSA no? OK then, how about this…ahem…*shuffles to podium*
If you feel you are a victim of sexual harassment or sexual assault by a yoga teacher or fellow student, speak up! It’s wrong and no one should have to put up with it.
And yoga teachers should know better. If you need a refresher, don’t do this.
Earlier…Felony Charges Dropped for Graspin’ Aspen Yoga Teacher, Misdemeanors Spell Sex Offender
