Stafford Middle School administration says on Tuesday it received a report of inappropriate electronic communication between a male math teacher, who's been identified as Paul Roberts, and at least two students. The issue, the school says, is being investigated as a personnel issue by the Stafford Municipal School District, as well as the Stafford Police Department.
Roberts is charged with improper relations with a student, a second degree felony.
The school says the communication occurred through texts and social media, and the information was brought to the administration's attention by a parent. Superintendent Lance Hindt says that parent found foul language and possibly suggestive language on her son's cell phone from Roberts, and that there were more inappropriate messages from the teacher through Facebook.
Stafford police were contacted and Roberts was taken into police custody on Tuesday. A letter concerning the situation was being sent to all middle school parents on Wednesday.
"The safety and security of our students is our top priority. The district will take every effort to employ and enforce measures to provide a safe and secure learning environment," Superintendent Hindt said in a statement.
Hindt also said that at least one other male student appeared to get similar messages from Roberts and they are investigating the possibility that there may be more victims. He says the messages may have been sent over the past several days.
Roberts has been relieved of duty pending an investigation and will have no contact with SMSD students.
He has a $7,500 bond.
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