Montco Teacher Who Tried To Get Student To Kiss Him Sentenced To Prison: DA

NORRISTOWN, PA — A Norristown middle school teacher was sentenced to 9 to 23 months in prison on Monday after police said he made numerous attempts to get a 13-year-old girl to kiss him.

John Richards, 58, of Newtown Square in Delaware County, pleaded guilty to a criminal attempt at intercourse or sexual contact with a student at school, criminal solicitation of sexual contact with a student, unlawful contact with minors, and corruption of minors.

The incidents occurred early in 2025.

Richards, who taught eighth grade at Blockson Middle School, called the girl, one of his students, 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 had originally faced a larger slate of charges, including attempted institutional sexual assault, but some were waived as part of his guilty plea.

He was also sentenced to five years of probation upon his release. There is also a lifetime requirement to register with the Megan's Law database.

He was booked at Montgomery County Correctional Facility.