Pocono Mountain Regional Police arrested a 10th grade social studies teacher at his Monroe County home Tuesday on charges he had a sexual relationship with a then 15-year-old male student in 2011.
Christopher Martinelli, 40, 1193 Arbutus Drive, a teacher at Pocono Mountain West High School was charged with involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, statutory sexual assault, unlawful contact with a minor and corruption of minors after a now 17-year-old student described a sexual relationship between the two with police.
The allegations were made known to the school district Tuesday, and police were immediately contacted, interviewing the boy the same day.
The Times-Tribune does not identify victims of sexual assault.
Police served a search warrant on Mr. Martinelli's residence where they seized numerous items for evidence.
Police said the teacher is also involved with several youth organizations and is currently a youth basketball coach, and are asking anyone with information to contact authorities.
Mr. Martinelli was suspended by the school district and banned from school property, and was directed not to have any contact with students, parents or staff while the investigation is ongoing, police said.
Mr. Martinelli was arraigned Wednesday and is slated for a preliminary hearing March 13. He remains in Monroe County Correctional Facility in lieu of $200,000 bail, police said.
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