Jury Selection Underway In Molestation Trial Of Former Tulsa Big Brother Volunteer

NewsOn6.com

TULSA, OKLAHOMA – Jury selection is underway in the trial of former Tulsa middle school teacher accused of sexually assaulting a teenage boy he was mentoring as part of the Big Brothers, Big Sisters program.

John Gisler faces a string of felony charges, including rape and possession of child pornography.

According to court documents, Gisler committed crimes between January 1st, 2006 and June 29th, 2008.

Police affidavits show the victim says the abuse started when he was 14. The victim says in an affidavit that Gisler encouraged him to perform sexual acts on himself, even paying him $2-$5 every time the act was completed.

A statement from Big Brothers, Big Sisters at the time of Gisler's arrest said volunteers and staff undergo thorough screening and background checks.

Gisler was a science teacher at Whitney Middle School in Tulsa before he was fired in August 2009. He taught previously in Sand Springs and Sapulpa.

8/11/2009 Related Story: Tulsa School Board Fires Teacher