A teacher and high school coach in North Smithfield is accused of sending sexually inappropriate text messages to students.
Stephen DeMeo, 31, of Johnston was arraigned at the Kent County Courthouse on Monday on charges of indecent solicitation of children and possession of marijuana and child pornography.
DeMeo did not enter a plea, and a judge set bail at $10,000 and barred him from contact with minors.
DeMeo has been a history and psychology teacher at the high school for six years. He's also a girls' soccer coach. The Rhode Island Interscholastic League told state police that DeMeo is also the boys' basketball coach at Coventry.
Investigators said DeMeo was texting and e-mailing a student frequently for two years and recently the conversations became explicit. Police said DeMeo sent her an explicit photo of himself.
Investigators said the girl told her parents, who notified the school. School officials then contacted state police.
Police said DeMeo was arrested at his home after state police issued a search warrant. In executing the warrant, investigators found photos that a second girl had sent him. According to police, DeMeo and the second girl had been exchanging messages for a few months.
According to the school department, DeMeo has been placed on administrative leave until further notice
DeMeo is scheduled to be back in court on Jan. 11.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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