Another school teacher is in hot water, becoming the third in Berks County to be arrested in the past week.
The Antietam School District suspended a Stephen Sanchez after learning criminal charges were brought against the chemistry teacher for an inappropriate relationship with a student.
The relationship that detectives said involved a 16-year-old student led to Sanchez being barred from the school earlier this month, students said.
"He was here one day, and then the next day, I walk into chemistry and he's not there," said Austin Buckland, a 10th grader, who added that he misses Sanchez. "The coolest chemistry teacher I ever had."
But Buckland said he feels differently about his teacher after he learned about accusations against him.
"She was underage, so that's not cool at all," said Buckland.
Sanchez, 26, of Spring Township, held Bible study sessions at the victim's home in Mount Penn and communicated with her through text messages over several months, investigators said. He admitted to kissing the 16-year-old and showing her his genitals during a video chat over the phone, according to court documents.
"I could never expect Mr. Sanchez to be like that. I didn't know he would be like that," said Ty Williams, a 12th grader, one of Sanchez's chemistry students. "I do. I have him second period. It's messed up. It's sad. It's sad."
District Attorney John Adams said his investigators take complaints about a teacher very seriously, and all of the recent cases had teachers contacting students outside of school.
"Teacher-student relationships do not need to be done and performed through social media," said Adams.
The Antietam School District said it suspended Sanchez without pay, and he cannot have contact with students. Sanchez was not available for comment, but his students had plenty to say.
"For doing that to a student," said Nelson Valdez, a 11th grader. "He should be behind a cell in jail because that's not fair for her."
Sanchez is charged with indecent exposure and corruption of minors. He was released on bail.
