Fisher Catholic Teacher Accused of ‘sexting’ Nude Photos to Student

By Mary Beth Lane
Columbus Dispatch
October 15, 2013

http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2013/10/15/Lancaster-teacher-sexting-with-student.html

A Fisher Catholic High School choir teacher has been placed on paid leave while Lancaster police investigate a report that she sent nude photos of herself to a student’s cellphone, an act commonly known as “sexting.”

Principal Sean Kenney, who reported the allegation to police on Sunday, confirmed yesterday that he had placed a teacher on leave.

According to a police report, the 17-year-old student identified the teacher as Kathleen Thomas, 26. Kenney declined to confirm the teacher’s identity but said she had been at the high school for five years.

The student said he sent a couple of photos of his genitals to Thomas at her request, after she sent nude photos of herself to his cellphone. She sent more nude photos of herself after he sent his photos to her, the report said.

“The next day, (the student) states he stopped the texting with Kathleen because it was freaking him out,” the report says. “He deleted all the pictures that were sent between the two.”

“Later on, while discussing it with a friend (the student) became concerned that people might find out about the incident and wanted another picture of Kathleen as evidence,” the report says. “ He texted her for another picture, and she sent one of her naked.”

The student also told authorities that Thomas, who is married, rubbed his leg with her foot when the two of them were alone in class. The teen said he became uncomfortable and left the classroom.

Police took the boy’s cellphone and plan to examine it for relevant evidence. Police have the email of the most-recent photo that the teacher sent to the student, the report says.

The principal reported the allegation to police after a parent approached him at a football game on Saturday and told him about it.

Thomas did not return a telephone message seeking comment. She has not been charged with any offense.

Lancaster police Capt. Adam Pillar said he didn’t know how long it would take to complete the investigation.

Contact: mlane@dispatch.com