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COVINGTON ? A Dayton Independent Schools teacher appeared in court this morning to face allegations she had a sexual relationship with a male high school student.
Nicole Howell, 25, of Covington pleaded not guilty to first-degree sexual abuse, a felony punishable by up to five years in prison. She was briefly jailed Tuesday before posting a $5,000 bond.
She has been on suspension without pay since December when school administrators heard rumors of alleged misconduct involving Howell and a 16-year-old boy who attended the high school. The relationship started after she allegedly invited the student to her MainStrasse apartment for alcoholic drinks after a high school football game last year.
Superintendent Gary Rye couldn?t immediately be reached Wednesday morning for comment.
The allegation was forwarded to Dayton police, who contacted Campbell County police because of their expertise in investigation these types of allegations, Rye said. When Campbell County detectives learned the alleged incident happened in Covington, it was turned over to that municipality?s police.
Howell couldn?t immediately be reached for comment. Her next appearance in Kenton District Court is set for Jan. 20.