Coach resigns amid sex abuse charges

SALAMANCA, N.Y. (WIVB) - A former eighth grade teacher and a soccer coach has resigned amid sex abuse charges in the southern tier.

In a special meeting Wednesday, the Salamanca School Board accepted Science Teacher and Girls Soccer Coach Shane Riethmiller’s resignation. This comes less than one week after the board passed a resolution to reassign Riethmiller to the district office.

Prosecutors say the 39-year-old teacher exchanged sexual text messages and pictures with a 15-year-old student and had sexual contact with her. The incidents allegedly took place during the last months of 2011. The girl is now 16.

Reithmiller was initially placed on administrative leave. But on September 11th, during a School Board meeting, he was reassigned to the district office.

The School Board wouldn’t comment on the charges or circumstances of his resignation, only to say he separated from the district for personal reasons.

Salamanca Schools Superintendent Robert Breidenstein said, “Anytime an adult acts in a matter that's not congruent with whats the best interest of the child it's a disturbing concern that we investigate fully and we will use all means within our power to address that either legally or otherwise.”

Riethmiller pleaded not guilty to the charges. The next time he will appear in court is on October 22nd at 2:30 p.m.