JEANNETTE, Pa. — A Jeannette High School teacher under investigation since last month was charged Friday with having a sexual relationship with a student, authorities said.
Maria Chappell, 38, of Mt. Pleasant Township, was accompanied by her attorney when she surrendered to authorities Friday afternoon. She is charged with having sexual contact with a student, corruption of minors and unlawful contact with a minor.%
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An investigation began March 17 after high school Principal Patricia Rozycki reported the teacher's conduct to city police, authorities said.
The 16-year-old victim told investigators that he and Chappell had sex in her classroom and in a hotel, according to an affidavit of probable cause filed by Westmoreland County detectives.
Chappell worked as an English teacher in classes for ninth-, tenth- and 11th-graders, according to the school district's website.
She was released Friday on a $50,000 secured bond.
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