(11/17/09 – Initial BadBadTeacher.com Report)

Christopher Thomas, 30, a social studies teacher at Wiley Middle School in University Heights, Ohio has reportedly been arrested on allegations of having a sexual relationship with a female student.

Thomas has reportedly been charged with sexual battery.

The alleged relationship with the student was thought to have started in September 2008, when the girl was 13-years-old. The most recent alleged sexual contact between Thomas and the victim is said to have occurred on November 6th.

According to University Heights Police Chief Gary Stehlik the alleged sexual conduct occurred at the girl’s residence, Thomas’ residence and on school grounds.

Thomas came to the attention of authorities when the alleged victim told her parents about the alleged relationship. The girl’s parents then called University Heights Police and University Heights officers contacted Eastlake Police.

Thomas has reportedly been placed on administrative leave by the school system.

School officials have released a letter to parents regarding the allegations against Christopher Thomas and WTOL TV has made that letter available.

Following his arrest, Thomas was released after posting $1,085 bond.

11/19/09 – Case Update

University Heights Police Chief Gary Stehlik said Tuesday a former Wiley student, now at Cleveland Heights High School, has told police she was also involved with Thomas via text messages.

Thomas remains free on bond and has a preliminary hearing set for 1 p.m. Tuesday at the Willoughby court.

(09/19/08 – Initial BadBadTeacher.com Report)

Robert Michael Gatlin, 44, a fourth-grade teacher at Coleman Intermediate School in Pine Bluff, Arkansas has, according to police, been arrested on suspicion of sexually abusing five or more female students, ages 9 and 10.

Reportedly the alleged victims were students in Gatlin’s class during the Spring and Fall semesters of this year.

Police say that all of the alleged acts of sexual assault occurred while Gatlin was a teacher and while school was in session.

Reportedly, Gatlin came to the attention of school administrators due to complaints from parents of children in Gatlin’s class.

A schools system spokesperson is being quoted in the media as saying, Gatlin was suspended with pay earlier this month after he reportedly admitted touching students inappropriately in class. Gatlin is also accused of showing favoritism toward girls over boys in his class.

KARK TV is reporting that during the investigation that it was discovered that Gatlin was fired from a previous job as a teacher with the Kingsland School District for kissing 4th and 5th grade students and that Gatlin in a statement to detectives admitted that he “may” have a problem with 4th and 5th grade aged females.

11/18/09 – Mistrial Declared

A mistrial has been declared in the case of Robert Michael Gatlin.

The mistrial was declared when about half of the potential jurors were dismissed for indicating that they had heard or read about the case or knew at least 1 of the alleged victims.

Reportedly, prosecutors will retry the case in January.

References:

Mistrial in sex trial of ex-Watson Chapel teacher (11/18/09)

Watson Chapel Elementary Teacher Arrested on Sex Charges (09/19/08)

Teacher arrested on suspicion of sexual abuse (09/19/08)

Ark. teacher arrested on suspicion of sexual abuse (09/19/08)

(06/30/09 – Initial BadBadTeacher.com Report)

Aaron M. Ringewold, 26, a substitute teacher at Mike O’Callaghan Middle School in Las Vegas, Nevada has reportedly been arrested on allegations of of possessing child pornography.

Ringewold was arrested in Henderson on Friday and is reportedly charged with 17 counts of possession of child pornography.

Ringewold’s arrest came as the result of an investigation by detectives with the Henderson, Nevada Police Department.

Detectives said Ringewold was downloading child pornography onto his computer, but none of the images were of past or present students at O’Callaghan Middle School, where Ringewold was a “long term” substitute teacher.

Anyone with information that can help in the case is asked to call Henderson Police at 267-4750.

11/16/09 – Guilty Plea and Sentencing

Aaron Ringewold, who pleaded guilty in August to two counts of possession of child pornography, has reportedly been sentenced to up to five years in prison.

District Court Judge Stefany Miley today sentenced him to a minimum of two years and a maximum of five years on the two counts, to run concurrently.

When released from prison, Ringewold will be required to register as a sex offender.