Police: Bennett Middle teacher sent texts 'expressing love'
According to Wicomico County Sheriff Mike Lewis, Riddle was a teacher at Bennett Middle School and is charged with abusing a student at the school.
A Bennett Middle School teacher was charged following accusations of sexually abusing a student.
Kelly Michelle Riddle, 32, of Salisbury, was charged with two counts of sexual abuse of a minor, according to the Wicomico County Sheriff's Office.
According to Wicomico County Sheriff Office, Riddle spent 11 months text messaging a 14-year-old student at the school.
The sheriff's office said Riddle "allegedly sent frequent text messages to the juvenile that were interpreted as expressing love and affection."
According to online Maryland court records, the two counts of alleged sexual abuse occurred between June 1, 2014, and May 11, 2015. Riddle was indicted on May 18. The sheriff's office said they began their investigation into the text messages on May 5.
On the county school system's website, Riddle is listed as an eighth-grade science teacher at the school.
School spokeswoman Tracy Sahler said a Bennett Middle School teacher was placed on administrative leave and the county Board of Education is working with local law enforcement on an investigation, but did not specify it related to Riddle.
In April, Riddle was named as one of 12 teachers who would travel with Salisbury University's Dr. James King to Ghana this summer through a Fulbright-Hays international education grant.
Riddle's bond was originally set at $75,000 but was lowered to $25,000.