How many times did we read or see similar stories in 2005? Must have seen a half-dozen or more. Is this an epidemic or something?
Teacher charged with having sex with 13-year-old boy
Saturday, Jan 28, 2006 - 12:00 AM
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WYTHEVILLE - A former middle-school teacher turned herself in to police Friday on charges she had sex with one of her seventh-grade students.
Karen Susan Patton, 41, could make her first court appearance Monday on charges of carnal knowledge, sodomy and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
Authorities said Patton, who taught language arts and sponsored cheerleading at Scott Memorial Middle School, had oral sex with a 13-year-old boy during a relationship that started in November.
The investigation began after the boy's parents told police they found a letter from Patton to the boy, along with messages on a computer, city Police Chief Harry Ayers said.
A search of Patton's home Thursday led to the seizure of a digital camera, a computer, a photo CD, various computer disks and a roster for the school's eighth-grade boys basketball team, according to a search warrant.
Patton resigned before her arrest, Wythe County School Superintendent Albert Armentrout said. She had taught at the school for about a year and a half.
Patton remained in the New River Valley Regional Jail in Dublin without bond Friday night.
She could face up to 16 years in prison if convicted as charged.
JEFFREY SIMMONS writes for the Wytheville Enterprise. He may be reached at (276) 228-6611 or [email protected]
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