Berks Catholic Tennis Coach Charged in Alleged Sexual Relationship With Student
Reading, PA — August 8, 2025
A high school tennis coach and substitute teacher at Berks Catholic High School has been arrested following a months-long investigation into an alleged inappropriate relationship with a student.
Henry C. Pilliod, 22, of Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania, faces multiple charges including institutional sexual assault, corruption of minors, unlawful contact with a minor, and criminal use of communication facilities. Pilliod was employed as a volunteer tennis coach at Berks Catholic from August 2024 to March 2025 and served as a long-term substitute teacher in early 2025.
According to the Berks County District Attorney’s Office, the investigation began after two childline referrals were submitted to the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services in March 2025. These referrals alleged that Pilliod had been exchanging inappropriate photos with a 17-year-old female student.
Authorities revealed that the relationship began with electronic communications in November 2024 and escalated to the exchange of nude images and videos via Snapchat in January 2025. Between December 2024 and February 2025, the two allegedly engaged in consensual sexual activity on multiple occasions.
Berks Catholic High School acted swiftly upon learning of the allegations, stating that Pilliod was “immediately terminated.” The school emphasized its commitment to student safety and cooperation with law enforcement throughout the investigation.
Pilliod surrendered to Berks County detectives on August 7 and is currently awaiting preliminary arraignment. The case has sparked concern among parents and educators, highlighting the importance of safeguarding students from abuse by individuals in positions of authority.