Main Line Aide Forced Sex On Student, Allegedly

A Main Line high school aide has been arrested and charged with child sex crimes related. Arthur E. Phillips, 67, of Wayne, who served as a paraprofessional at Conestoga High School in the Tredyffrin/Easttown School District was arrested and charged April 21, according to court records.

Phillips, who is behind bars after failing to post $500,000 bail, is facing 10 felony counts of intercourse/sexual contact with a student; 10 counts of felony aggravated indecent assault without consent and with the victim being less than 16; 10 counts of felony corruption of minors with the defendant 18 years old or above; 10 counts of felony criminal use of a communication facility; and related charges, according to court records.

Phillips is accused of sexually assaulting a female student several times, according to court records.

"We cannot adequately express our shock and dismay upon learning an adult responsible for the care of our students has been charged with such a deplorable act," the district said in a statement to parents."We will continue to review and strengthen where necessary our existing policies and practices regarding faculty and staff training, with respect to maintaining appropriate boundaries with students. The welfare of all students remains our highest priority."

The district urged anyone with information on this case to contact Tredyffrin Township Police Lieutenant Joseph Glatts at (610)644-3221.

"We are prepared to provide assistance to any students who are in need of support as a result of learning this information," the district said. "Please contact a school administrator or counselor if your child or a student you know might benefit from such support. We have no information to indicate the employee was inappropriately involved with other students."

According to Philly.com, Phillips and the student had sexual contact 10 times in January this year after the two became friends.

The victim told police she refused sex with Phillips and said he forced her, with all of this happening before she turned 16, Philly.com reports.

Police told the outlet hundreds of messages between Phillips and the student were discovered, most sexual in natures with photos included.

Phillips worked in the school's TV production studio and has been with the district as a paraprofessional since 2006.

The district said Phillips has been suspended with his termination pending.

Phillips will appear for his preliminary hearing on April 28, court records show.

Image via Tredyffrin Township Police