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Former kindergarten teacher held on sex count
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
KETTERING — Parents of children who attend the Salem Avenue campus of the Richard Allen Schools will be receiving a mailed letter soon that will address the charter school's response to Friday's arrest of a former kindergarten teacher on a sex-related charge.
Steven Keller, 30, of 5710 W. Coach Drive, was arraigned Monday in Municipal Court on one count of gross sexual imposition against a 7-year-old girl.
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Keller, who resigned from the school during Christmas break from classes, taught kindergarten at the Edgemont campus from 2000 to 2005 before going to the Salem Avenue campus, according to Mike McCormick, superintendent of Richard Allen Schools.
"We are disheartened by the recent developments reported in the various news media," McCormick said in a statement released to the media.
Michelle Thomas, principal of the Salem Avenue campus, wrote the letter, which carried a Jan. 9 date. It tells parents the school will cooperate with the police investigation in "whatever way possible" and "although Mr. Keller resigned his position ... before the recent charges were brought, we feel it is necessary to investigate any and all concerns of our parents and students."
The letter also states that "Mr. Keller received clearance from the Bureau of Criminal Investigation prior to being employed by Richard Allen."
The letter also notes that "this incident is the first of its kind in our school district, but it certainly shows that we are not immune to the challenge of everyday society."
Keller is expected to be transferred to the Montgomery County Jail after being housed since his arrest Friday in the Kettering City Jail in lieu of a $50,000 cash bond, Kettering police Officer Bill Torok said.
Keller was arrested in his apartment, where police said the assault occurred when the girl was staying there with her parents' knowledge. Police also believe Keller met the girl's family through his profession and was considered to be a friend of her family, Torok said.
"(The girl) spoke to her parents about an inappropriate situation. Whatever occurred, she knew it was wrong," Torok said.
