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WILMINGTON, DELAWARE: A former middle school teacher in Delaware who left the school nine years ago has been arrested for multiple charges of rape of a student. Reed Messer, 42, was taken into custody at her Greenville home in South Carolina and was extradited to Delaware on Monday, May 8, according to police.
In December 2022, the Delaware State Police received a report from the Division of Family Services that accused an ex-educator at Wilmigton's Stanton Middle School has engaged in a sexual relationship with a student nearly a decade ago. The sexual relationship that lasted almost two months reportedly began in October 2014, reported CBS News.
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Messer faces a total of 22 counts of rape and child sexual abuse charges
On April 26, South Carolina authorities obtained an arrest warrant for Messer and took her into custody. The former teacher faces multiple charges including ten counts of fourth-degree rape, ten counts of third-degree rape, and two counts of sexual abuse of a child by a person of trust. On a bond of $310, 000, Messer is currently held at Delaware's women's prison. "Due to the sensitivity of this case, and in consideration of the victim, only limited information will be released," said authorities.
Since November 2014, the alleged abuser left her employment at the Red Clay Consolidated School District, including Stanton Middle School, according to authorities. After Messer left Delaware, she joined a South Carolina charter school named Legacy Early College in Greenville.
The ongoing investigation against Messer seeks more information
In July 2015, Messer received her first certification as a teacher in South Carolina for special education, English, middle-level language arts, and elementary and early childhood education, according to the state's Department of Education website.
In a report by the department, authorities wrote, "Due to the serious nature of these allegations of misconduct, Ms. Messer may pose a threat to the health, safety, and welfare of students, who may be under her instruction, and that emergency action is required."
According to police, the investigation is underway and has requested anyone with information in connection to the case to contact Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333 or to send tips to the Delaware State Police.
