FRANKLIN COUNTY, Pa. — A woman teaching in Franklin County is facing multiple charges after allegedly having inappropriate contact with a student.
Bonnie Gingrich, 38, from Hagerstown, Maryland, has been charged with school- intercourse/sexual contact with a student, unlawful contact with a minor- sexual offenses, corruption of minors- defendant age 18 or above and unlawful contact with a minor- sexual offenses.
According to the affidavit of probable cause, on May 30, officers were informed via a ChildLine report that Gingrich was having inappropriate contact with a student. At the time, Gingrich was a paid teacher at the Shalom Christian Academy.
The victim alleged to police that Gingrich would reach out to the victim through electronic messages, leading to the two of them hugging. Eventually, Gingrich allegedly put her hand up the victim's skirt and down their pants, touching them inappropriately.
Gingrich allegedly kissed the victim on the cheek as well.
The incidents reportedly occurred at the school between Nov. 1, 2023, and May 30, 2024.
Gingrich allegedly messaged the victim about wanting to meet up outside of school and how it felt when she touched the victim. She reportedly encouraged the victim to create secret chat accounts and delete their messages for fear that someone would find out about their "secret."
Gingrich's preliminary hearing has been scheduled for July 16 at 9:30 a.m.
Shalom Christian Academy released the following statement to FOX43:
"We are deeply saddened by the allegations against a former employee. We are cooperating with authorities. We are praying for everyone involved."
