From The Tribune staff reports
PINSON — A lawsuit was filed on Wednesday against a former Pinson Valley High School special education teacher and track coach for allegedly using social media to solicit nude photos from students, according to court documents.
Pinson Valley High School
photo courtesy of Jefferson County Schools
The documents stated that 52-year-old Joseph Lemaster was hired in 2021 and began inappropriate behavior with students soon after. He reportedly attempted to solicit nude photos from underage girls by using an Instagram account under the name “Mork Sida.”
The lawsuit was filed in Jefferson County Circuit by the 16-year-old (none as Jane Doe in court documents) victim’s attorneys, Eric Artip and Teri Ryder Mastando.
Court documents state Lemaster allegedly claimed to be a 19-year-old boy on Instagram on July 7, 2021, and contacted Jane Doe, asking for nude photos, and offered to pick her up at her home. Lemaster reportedly continued to message Jane Doe after she declined his offer.
The conversation between Jane Doe and Lemaster lasted for several weeks, with Lemaster asking Jane Doe to “Please tell me you are 18.” Court documents state that after Jane Doe tells him she is only 16, Lemaster continues to ask for nude photos.
“Jane Doe sent the picture that Lemaster had posted around to some of her female friends letting them know someone was trying to trick her into sending them nude photos,” Court documents stated. “One of Jane Doe’s friends identified the man in the photo as Joseph Lemaster.”
Then Jane Doe gave that information and screenshots to her friend who gave it to her father who then contacted the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.
A report was filed with the sheriff’s office on August 29, 2021, and the next day Jane Doe’s friends father met with PVHS principal and sheriff’s deputies off campus, Court documents stated.
According to court documents, during the interviews several other students came forward with knowledge of the solicitation, and they all wrote statements.
Court documents stated that Lemaster willingly gave up his phone after school officials met with him.
“At first, Lemaster said he had two phones but then changed the story to having two numbers on his phone,” Court documents state.
He was told to report to the Jefferson County Schools Board of Education superintendent after being escorted off school property.
“This individual was placed on administrative leave and subsequently resigned,” Superintendent Walter Gonsoulin said in a statement to AL.com.
At the time of publication, no criminal charges could be found against Lemaster.
The story will be updated when more information is available.
