(Camden, Del.)- The Caesar Rodney High School wrestling coach has been charged with child sex abuse and rape after an investigation revealed the teacher had a 10-month sexual relationship with a 17-year-old female student.
The Delaware State Police Criminal Investigations Unit at Troop 3 were recently alerted to a teacher that was involved in illicit conduct with a female student that would eventually lead to his arrest.
Preliminary investigation into the sexual allegations reveals that Richard L. Howell II, 50 of Wyoming, was involved in a sexual relationship with a 17 year old female student of Caesar Rodney High School, beginning back as early as March of 2014 until late December of 2014. In that time period, the two engaged in inappropriate sexual behavior at least nine different times on school grounds as well as a number of times at his Wyoming residence.
"I have a granddaughter in that school. You hear it everywhere else but I've never heard of any problems at CR," said Jennifer Hosten who has three children who have graduated from that high school.
Howell voluntarily turned himself in to detectives this afternoon, Wednesday January 14, 2015, at Troop 3 and was charged with Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child, 15 counts of Sexual Abuse of a Child by a Person of Trust 1st, and two counts of Rape 4th.
""He's the adult, she's the child -- he should have known better," said Hosten.
"They should know better. There's really no excuse," said Alex Mitich who lives near the school.
Upon Howell's arraignment at JP2, he was committed to James T. Vaughn Correctional Center in lieu of $550,000.00 secured bond.
Howell was also ordered to have no contact with the victim or anyone under the age of 18.
Questions regarding Mr. Howell's status with Caesar Rodney High School should be directed to the Caesar Rodney District Office.
Because of the sensitivity of this case, and in consideration of the victim, only limited information will be released.