Kaminski Pleads Guilty to Sexual Assault, Receives 12+ Years in Prison

Content warning: This statement contains references to sexual assault and misconduct. The Academy lists a number of resources on https://www.exeter.edu/about-us/our-commitment-safety. If helpful, please seek confidential help at the National Sexual Assault Hotline (+1 (800) 656-4673), HAVEN 24/7 hotline (+1 (603) 994-SAFE (7233)), or Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) through the Lamont Health and Wellness Center (+1 (603) 777-3420). 

By the 145th Executive Board

To uphold our promise of transparency to the community, the 145th Executive Board would like to detail our approach to covering all topics involving former faculty member Szczesny “Jerzy” Kaminski. We wish to cover this subject in an honest and sensitive manner. Throughout its progression, this case has taken a huge mental and emotional toll on the Exeter community, especially survivors of sexual assault and misconduct. The Exonian does not wish to add to that. 

As The Exonian’s mission statement establishes, the paper is not devoted to transparency at the expense of the community’s well-being. In moments when articles require sensitivity, the paper must balance accuracy and community values. Respecting the sexual assault survivor’s privacy as well as the mental well-being of The Exonian’s staff members and readership is of the utmost priority to us.

For these reasons, the 145th Board has decided to abstain from delving into specific details of the survivor’s experience and any content from the testimonies. We believe that covering these specific aspects of the trial would be detrimental to members of the Exeter community and fail to protect the survivor’s privacy. We will continue to cover other developments and hold the administration and faculty accountable for students’ safety. 

In keeping with our approach, the 145th Board strives to place our community first while maintaining the journalistic integrity of our publication. Outside media sources may cover the case differently. Please feel free to seek their coverage at your own discretion.

On Friday, Jan. 13, former Phillips Exeter Academy Instructor in Mathematics Szczesny “Jerzy” Kaminski, age 62, pled guilty to three counts of aggravated felonious sexual assault and one count of sexual assault as part of a negotiated plea deal. 

Kaminski was sentenced to a minimum of 12 years in state prison for two of the three aggravated sexual assault charges and was immediately taken into custody at Rockingham County Courthouse by state sheriffs. Additionally, he must complete a sexual offender program and is banned from making contact with the survivor or the survivor’s family.  He is also banned from contact with minors under 16 years of age and with anyone who works at or is enrolled in an educational institution. Kaminski must register as a sex offender upon release. 

If Kaminski fails to adhere to the terms and conditions set by the court, there is a potential extension of his 12-year sentence to up to 30 years. There is also the possibility of an additional 10 to 20 year suspended sentence for the third aggravated felonious sexual assault count, dependent on his behavior in New Hampshire State Prison. The 12-month sentence for the Class A misdemeanor sexual assault count will be served concurrently with his minimum 12-year sentence. 

The plea deal comes nearly a year after Kaminski’s withdrawal from a similar plea agreement last February, in which he planned to plead guilty to three felonies and one misdemeanor for a 12 to 30-year sentence. However, after Kaminski’s withdrawal from the agreement, he was indicted with five new charges, including three counts of aggravated felonious sexual assault and two counts of witness tampering. 

​​ In a joint statement between the Academy and the survivor, Principal William Rawson stated, “We are relieved that Jerzy Kaminski is finally being held accountable for his crimes and the harm he has caused. We commend [the survivor’s] efforts in seeking justice for herself and will support her in every way we can as she moves forward from this painful chapter. We acknowledge and appreciate the courageous survivors in our community who have informed our work to ensure that all students feel safe and are able to thrive at Exeter.” 

According to the statement,  the survivor hopes to work with Exeter going forward to bring her perspective and voice to the conversation surrounding campus sexual assault and to continue the work to ensure the campus is safe for all students.