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Former Berks County school employee allegedly sent student nude pictures, touched him inappropriately
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Rachel McDevitt/StateImpact Pennsylvania
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(Harrisburg) — A former Berks County school employee is facing charges for alleged sexual contact with a student.
Prosecutors say Krista Ann Stump, 34, of Schuylkill County was hired as a teacher’s aide at Hamburg Area High School in November.
Superintendent Richard Mextorf said he learned in February of a complaint against Stump submitted through the state’s child abuse hotline. He said Stump was immediately suspended, then fired the following day.
Investigators said a 15-year-old male student told them Stump asked to be added to his Snapchat. Over the next few weeks, she allegedly sent him sexual messages and nude pictures of herself.
Detectives said Stump also touched the student in a sexual way when the two were alone in a classroom.
Mextorf said Stump had passed the required three background checks to be hired.
He said the district tries to make sure students are in the safest situation possible, and encourages open doors and spaces when adults are working with students one-on-one. Ultimately, he added, it falls on the adults in the room to exercise personal responsibility, accountability, and professionalism.
Stump has been charged with institutional sexual assault, unlawful contact with a minor, and indecent assault.
An attorney for Stump was not listed on court documents.
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