Pennsylvania teacher arrested for attempted sexual assault

NORRISTOWN, Pa. (WHTM) – A Pennsylvania teacher has been charged with attempted institutional sexual assault after an alleged incident involving a student.

The Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office says John Richards, an eighth-grade teacher at Blockson Middle School in the Norristown Area School District, allegedly showed a student an inappropriate message in class.

The district attorney’s office says on March 17 the school resource officer and principal contacted police after a 13-year-old female student made an allegation against Richards.

The student says Richards called her up to his desk and showed her a typed message on his phone saying he wanted to kiss her during a class trip.

The district attorney’s office says Norristown Police later reviewed Richards’ cellphone and located a second message to the girl, which said: “That came out all wrong. I’m sorry for demanding anything. I have no right. When I see you my heart skips a beat. When you are around I find myself staring without meaning to. I wonder what your lips taste like and I hope to god there’s a chance for me to find out. I don’t know what else to say besides I think you’re amazing.”

Richards turned himself in and was charged with multiple offenses including Attempted Institutional Sexual Assault, Attempted Solicitation for Institutional Sexual Assault and Unlawful Contact With a Minor—Sexual Offense.

Richards was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Todd Stephens, who set bail at $10,000 cash bail, with additional conditions of no contact with the victim or minors. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 10 a.m., March 27, 2025, before Magisterial District Judge Denise Ashe.