EASTON, Pa. — A former Bethlehem police officer who served as a school resource officer was sentenced to 10 to 20 years in state prison Monday after pleading guilty to sex crimes against a 14-year-old middle school student, authorities said.
Costas Alestas, 43, of Palmer Township, was found to be a sexually violent predator during his sentencing before Northampton County Judge Samuel P. Murray.
As a result, he will have to register under Megan's Law for the rest of his life.
Alestas was a 17-year-veteran of the Bethlehem Police Department who worked as a resource officer at East Hills Middle School and also served as a soccer coach.
In April, he admitted guilt to charges of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse and invasion of privacy. Last month, Murray denied Alestas' motion to withdraw his guilty plea.
Under the sentencing imposed by the judge Monday, Alestas' prison term will be followed consecutively by three years' probation for the first charge and one year probation for the invasion of privacy charge.
Bethlehem Police Chief Michelle Kott previously said Alestas was fired following an internal investigation. He was East Hills' school resource officer for six years and had an exemplary record, she said.
Details of crimes
Police said they were notified May 1, 2024, by Bethlehem Area School District personnel of allegations of a relationship between a middle school student and Alestas, who also coached the East Hills Middle School co-ed soccer team.
Police said Alestas committed sex acts with the girl in the boys’ locker room during a school dance while he was working and in uniform.
He also allegedly took an “upskirt type video” of an 11-year-old on the same date.
Police said Alestas later committed other acts in his Jeep with the 14-year-old victim in the parking lot of Green Pond Country Club in Bethlehem Township, on April 11; and in his Nissan at the William Penn Park and Ride in the township.
An analysis of Alestas’ phone showed about 4,980 messages exchanged with the 14-year-old, and 49 phone calls, since March 26, according to a police affidavit.
