Exeter Former PEA employee offered plea deal in assault case

BRENTWOOD — A former Phillips Exeter Academy admissions officer accused of sexually assaulting a prospective student over 40 years ago has been offered a plea deal by the Rockingham County Attorney's office.

Arthur Peekel, 75, of Palatine, Illinois, is charged with a series of misdemeanor crimes alleging he sexually assaulted a 14-year-old boy in November 1973, when the boy visited campus. The alleged victim in the case is Phillips Exeter Academy 1977 graduate Lawrence Jenkens, who has been publicly open about the alleged abuse on Facebook and to numerous media outlets.

Jenkens came forward with his allegations after former Phillips Exeter teacher Rick Schubart’s sexual misconduct with two female students in the 1970s and 1980s came to light in news articles.

Peekel went on from Phillips Exeter to be named Illinois Teacher of the Year for 1991 to 1992, where he taught at a school in Arlington Heights.

Deputy County Attorney Patricia LaFrance said they are required to make plea offers to all defendants prior to the dispositional hearing, which took place Wednesday.

"The goal of this is to attempt to negotiate a guilty plea and disposition in lieu of trial," LaFrance said. However, a defendant is under no obligation to plead guilty and may exercise his or her constitutional right to a trial, she said.

LaFrance said she could not offer any additional details at this time regarding the plea deal.

Peekel remains free on $25,000 personal recognizance bail.