Montco Teacher Asked Student To Kiss Him 2 Times On Field Trip: DA

NORRISTOWN, PA — A Norristown middle school teacher who authorities said repeatedly tried to get a 13-year-old girl to kiss him has been arrested, police announced Wednesday.

John Richards, 57, of Newtown Square in Delaware County, has been charged with attempted institutional sexual assault, unlawful contact with a minor, and related counts.

Richards, who teaches eighth grade at Blockson Middle School, called the girl back to his desk in the middle of class, authorities said. He then showed her a typed message on his phone telling her that he wanted to kiss her two times on an upcoming field trip which he was chaperoning, police said.

“Let me know yes or no before (you) have to get off the bus," the text read, according to the district attorney's office.

The girl immediately contacted her father, the principal, and the school resource officer to report the incident.

When police confiscated Richards's cell phone, they found another message to the girl apologizing.

“That came out all wrong," the text read, according to the DA. "I’m sorry for demanding anything. I have no right. When I see you my heart skips a beat. When you are around I find myself staring without meaning to. I wonder what your lips taste like and I hope to god there’s a chance for me to find out. I don’t know what else to say besides I think you’re amazing.”

Richards turned himself in to Norristown police on Wednesday morning.

He was released on $10,000 bail on the condition he not contact the victim or any minors.

A preliminary hearing is set for March 27.