Norristown Teacher Arrested In Alleged Kissing A Student

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A middle school teacher in Norristown, Pennsylvania is facing charges after he allegedly requested to kill an 8th grade student.

John Richard’s, 57, of Newtown Square, turned himself in to the police on Wednesday. He is now facing charges of attempted institutional sexual assault, unlawful contact with a minor, and other related offenses. Authorities say they responded to Blockson Middle School on Monday after the 13-year-old student told her father about her interaction with her teacher.

According to investigators, Richard’s called the victim to his desk at the back of the classroom to show her a typed message on his phone. The message reportedly indicated he wanted to kiss her two times during a field trip that Richard’s was chaperoning on Tuesday.

A portion of a message stated: “I’m very nervous. If you say yes, I would like to kiss you at least 2 times in Washington. If you say no, that is ok, you’re not any less beautiful. It is your decision and you can change your opinion when you want. You don’t need to tell me now unless you known the answer.”  The student immediately returned to her desk and called her father.

Detectives investigated the case and reviewed Richards’ cellphone. According to the complaint, a second message was found to the girl, saying Richard’s wondered what her lips tasted like. The district notified parents about the teacher’s arrest and said there are sufficient grounds to have him terminated.

Richards is now being held on $10,000 cash bail. There will be a preliminary heating on March 27th.