Former Owen J. Roberts Teacher Heads To Trial For Sexual Assault

WEST CHESTER, PA — A former Owen J. Roberts High School teacher waived her preliminary hearing on Monday and will now stand trial for sexual assault of a student, according to court documents.

Melissa Bonkoski, 38, who is previously of Stowe and now lists her address as Glenside, allegedly carried on a sexual relationship with a 16-year-old student in her science class, according to police.

Bonkoski was arrested in early August on allegations of inappropriate contact, and was then charged with having "actual sex" with the student, the Chester County District Attorney's Office said.

A formal arraignment for Bonkoski has been set for Sept. 28. A trial date has not yet been announced.

An investigation was launched in early July when the victim's girlfriend found texts on his phone from Bonkoski, according to a criminal complaint. Bonkoski had purchased a burner phone strictly for communicating with the victim.

Their relationship progressed in the summer and fall of 2016 after Bonkoski began offering the victim rides home. Eventually she invited him in to her house and had sex with him in Dec. of 2016, the complaint alleges.

The victim said he tried to cut off contact with Bonkoski but that she continued to text him on the burner phone, leading to his girlfriend eventually discovering the texts.

Bonkoski faces charges of institutional sexual assault, unlawful contact with a minor, corruption of minors, and related offenses.

Meanwhile, Bonkoski is free on $50,000 bail.

Image via Chester County District Attorney's Office