Ex-educator pleads not guilty to sex crimes involving student
NEW PHILADELPHIA (WJER) (Aug. 19, 2022) – The former Tuscarawas Central Catholic High School teacher accused of having sexual contact with a student made her first court appearance this (Friday) morning.
27-year-old Riley Stone of Dover was arraigned in Common Pleas Court this morning on a four-count grand jury indictment. Judge Michael Ernest read the charges, which include gross sexual imposition, pandering obscenity involving a minor, and disseminating matter harmful to juveniles.
“Count 4 – that’s the final count: Illegal use of minor of a minor in nudity-oriented material or performance, a felony of the fifth degree.”
Stone pleaded not guilty to the charges and was released on her own recognizance.
“You are to have no contact with the alleged victim in this case. You are to refrain from using alcohol. No illegal drugs. No bars. No tavern. Those are standard orders I impose in every single case, and you are going to be ordered to remain law-abiding, to stay in contact with your counsel.”
The indictment claims the crimes occurred in 2019, beginning the month before the victim turned 18. The Diocese of Columbus says allegations came to light in July of this year when the former student shared their story with school staff, who then contacted authorities. The school terminated Stone’s employment a week later. She could lose her teaching license for life if she’s convicted.