Public School AbuseDover, Del. —
A
phyiscal education teacher at Woodbridge High School in Bridgeville was arrested Nov. 30 on charges that
he had sex with a 17-year old female student.Derek J. Lofland, 32, of Greenwood, faces
a total of 23 charges including fourth-degree rape, sexual solicitation of a child and second-degree unlawful sexual contact, police said.
According to Master Cpl. Bruce Harris, during the course of their investigation state police learned that Lofland and the victim allegedly developed a relationship in April of this year. Things escalated in May when the victim visited Lofland's office at Woodbridge Junior-Senior High School and assisted him with his duties, Harris said.
Police said during the course of the relationship Lofland allegedly engaged in inappropriate sexual contact with the victim while on school grounds as well as at his Greenwood residence. Lofland is also alleged to have sent explicit text messages to the victim.
At the time the crimes allegedly were committed, Lofland was the district's athletic director, said Woodbridge Superintendent Dr. Kevin E. Carson.
Carson said Lofland, who has worked for the district for eight years, has been placed on administrative leave pending further investigation.
Lofland was taken into custody at his residence without incident, Harris said.
After arraingnment, he was committed to the Sussex Correctional Institute on an $86,000 secured bond.
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