DOVER, Del. (AP) - Delaware State Police say a high school physical education teacher and wrestling coach has been charged with rape and child sexual abuse following alleged sexual encounters with a 17-year-old female student.
Authorities say 50-year-old Richard L. “Dickie” Howell II turned himself in Wednesday afternoon and was charged with continuous sexual abuse of a child, 15 counts of child sexual abuse by a person in a position of trust, and two counts of fourth-degree rape.
Howell, a teacher and coach at Caesar Rodney High School, was being held in lieu of $550,000 secured bond.
Authorities allege that Howell began a sexual relationship with the girl last March that involved several encounters at the school and at his home.
School district officials said Howell has been suspended with pay.
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