73-year-old accused of sex crimes worked as a substitute teacher in NC, officials say
A 73-year-old accused of committing sex crimes was a substitute teacher in North Carolina, officials told news outlets.
Richard Gene Martin had worked for Guilford County Schools but wasn’t an active substitute as of April 26, the district said.
Weeks later, he reportedly was facing several charges, including indecent liberties with a student and first-degree statutory rape. A lawyer believed to be representing Martin didn’t immediately share a statement with McClatchy News on May 25.
“The allegations, although they are very serious allegations, are just that allegations at this point,” attorney J.D. Byers said, according to WFMY.
In a statement, Guilford County Schools chief of staff Rebecca Kaye told McClatchy News: “We are deeply troubled by this news and the horrific breach of trust, and we are providing all necessary resources to support the law enforcement investigation. We encourage anyone with additional information to come forward. As always, our counseling staff is available to students who desire support.”
Avery Crump, the Guilford County district attorney, said an investigation began after allegations surfaced that a substitute was giving drugs to students at Grimsley High School in Greensboro, WFMY reported.
Officials a 13-year-old and an 18-year-old were given drugs in return for sex acts with Martin, according to news outlets.
In North Carolina, teachers can be accused of having indecent liberties with a student if they engage in inappropriate activity with someone who attends a school where they are employed.
In addition to that charge, Martin was also charged with statutory sex offense with a minor, indecent liberties with children, contributing to the delinquency of a minor and multiple drug crimes, according to WGHP and WXII.
The Guilford County Clerk of Superior Court and District Attorney’s offices didn’t immediately share additional information with McClatchy News on May 25.
BEHIND THE STORY
MORESupport can be found:
If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual assault, the Lowcountry’s Hopeful Horizons organization has a 24-hour support line at (843) 770-1070. Resources can be found online at www.hopefulhorizons.org.
Help can also be reached at the National Sexual Assault Hotline at (800) 656-4673.
This story was originally published May 25, 2022 at 9:36 AM with the headline "73-year-old accused of sex crimes worked as a substitute teacher in NC, officials say."
