Former Arundel High Teacher Convicted of Sex Abuse

GAMBRILLS, MD — Despite his assertion that he merely hugged a student, a former Arundel High School math teacher was convicted by a jury for allegedly inappropriately touching a 16-year-old girl in a classroom, authorities said.

Nathan Lee Martin, 39, of Severna Park, was convicted of sex offense fourth-degree sexual contact, a sex offense fourth-degree person in a position of authority, and second-degree assault, according to the Anne Arundel County state's attorney's office.

"We should be able to entrust our children to the care of our teachers," said Anne Arundel County State's Attorney Wes Adams in a statement. "I'm glad the jury held this criminal accountable for his actions."

A 16-year-old girl and her parents reported the contact to police on Dec. 12, 2015. Child abuse detectives also talked to others at the school, who supported the teen’s allegation, investigators say. Martin was arrested in January 2016.

The incident happened Dec. 10, when Martin reportedly called the girl into a classroom closet, hugged her and placed his hands on her buttocks. Police say the teacher then sat on a desk and pulled the student toward him so his face touched her chest.

According to police, Martin told the teen she was beautiful and should be more confident.

Detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Martin on Jan. 20, and he was taken into custody without incident that afternoon at a school system administrative building.

Martin will be sentenced by Judge Michele Jaklitsch on Sept. 12. He faces up to 25 years in prison and a lifetime registration as a sex offender.

His attorney, Thomas Morrow, told the Capital-Gazette that Martin had only hugged the student.

"It's a sad day for educators when a hug can be interpreted as sexual abuse," Morrow said.

Anne Arundel County Police urge any other victims or anyone with information on the case to contact the Anne Arundel County Child Abuse Unit at 410-222-4733. You can remain anonymous by calling the Anne Arundel County Tip Line 410-222-4700 or Metro Crime Stoppers.

»Photo of Nathan Lee Martin, courtesy of Anne Arundel County Police