Phys Ed Coach Accused of Sexting with Ashley Ridge Student

Dorchester County Sheriff's Office has charged an Ashley Ridge High physical education and JV women's basketball coach with disseminating obscene material to a person under age 18. 

Andrew Jonathan Gerhardt, 27, of Summerville allegedly sent a nude photo of himself to a 16-year-old Ashley Ridge student, according to the incident report. The girl's parent found a thread of text messages between the student and the teacher earlier this month. Gerhardt was arrested on Monday.

The school district released this statement:

"On Monday, July 29 Karen Radcliffe, principal of Ashley Ridge High School, received a report of improper conduct by a Ashley Ridge High teacher and basketball coach toward a female sixteen year-old student.  Mrs. Radcliffe immediately notified district officials and the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Department of the allegations.  The school and district have cooperated fully with the sheriff’s department in the investigation of the reported incident. The employee was arrested and charged with dissemination of obscene material to 
a minor.  Dorchester District Two has given the employee notice of recommendation for dismissal.  He is an annual contract teacher who has been with the district for one year."