July 30, 2007 - James Beatty, 28, an Elkins High School teacher, is facing charges for Sexual Abuse by a Guardian after being accused by a 16-year old girl. She told police that Beatty tried to kiss her numerous times and then inappropriately touched her.
The criminal complaint states that Beatty tried to deny the charges, but eventually admitted to kissing and touching the girl. Beatty says he did try to kiss the girl about six times in the Future Farmers of America Office. Beatty states "he knew it was wrong but did not stop."The school board reported the incident to the Department of Health and Human Resources.
ONLINE RESOURCE: West Virginia criminalizes sexual contact by a parent, guardian, custodian or person in a position of trust to a child even when such child is sixteen years of age or older, and even when the child may have suffered no apparent physical injury or mental or emotional injury as a result of such conduct. WC61- 8D - 5
