Hopkins Trial: Five children may testify in former Springboro teacher’s case

SPRINGBORO — Austin Hopkins, the former Springboro teacher facing 36 counts of gross sexual imposition on girls in his first-grade class is set to go on trial next week.

>> Trial scheduled for former Springboro teacher accused of sex charges involving students

Hopkins, 25, of Springboro, appeared for his final pre-trial hearing this morning. His trial is scheduled to start Monday, March 9.

Hopkins faces the charges in relation to 28 girls in his gym class at Clearcreek Elementary School in Springboro.

In court it was discussed that five child victims may testify during the trial.

The judge conducted interviews with four of the children and determined they are competent to testify in open court. The fifth child will be interviewed prior to the trial next week.

There also are 28 parents that are on the witness list that could be called to testify during the trial.

Hopkins is on electronic monitor while on house arrest at his parents’ home. He is not allowed to be around children.

>> RELATED: Former Springboro PE teacher accused of sex charges involving 28 female students

>> RELATED: Federal class-action lawsuit filed against former gym teacher, Springboro schools