Mumbai, August 27: A high school teacher awarded "Teacher of the Month" in Tennessee, United States, has been reportedly charged in a minor student sex case. The high school geometry teacher, identified as Casey McGrath, has been accused of aggravated statutory rape involving a minor student. McGrath reached geometry at a high school in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Notably, McGrath was previously honoured as the "teacher of the month".

According to a report in the Times of India, Casey was teaching 10th-grade students at Central High School in Tennessee until she was suspended with pay in May last year. The suspension came after Casey was investigated into alleged "inappropriate physical contact with a student that does not result in harm" of a "sexual nature" case. US Shocker: Students Made To Write Their Own Obituaries Ahead of Active-Shooter Drill, Teacher Who Gave 'Inappropriate Assignment' Terminated.

Steve Doremus, Communications Officer, Hamilton County School District, said that Casey was not rehired. Casey's suspension without pay began on March 31 after a grand jury indicted the high school teacher on August 14. As per the report, Casey was charged with knowingly engaging in sexual penetration with a minor student aged between 13 and 18.

The indictment by the grand jury also stated that the teacher was at least ten years older than the victim. Following her indictment, Casey was arrested on August 18. Later, she posted a USD 10,000 bond for release from custody. The high school teacher's appearance for arraignment is scheduled to take place next month on September 6. US Shocker: Woman Teacher in New York City Arrested on Rape Charges for Having Sex With 14-Year-Old Student.

Before her stint at Central High School, McGrath taught at East Ridge Middle School. She also served as an assistant volleyball coach at the Central High School. While Casey has been indicted, several news reports displayed her commitment to fostering relationships with students while encouraging their self-confidence in mathematics.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 27, 2023 10:26 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).