Former teacher and coach due in court

SALAMANCA, N.Y. (WIVB) - A former Salamanca teacher and coach is expected to be in court Monday. He is a former middle school teacher and coach who was trusted with children, now he is in court for allegedly violating that trust.

Last January, 39-year-old Shane Riethmiller pleaded not guilty to several felony sexual abuse charges, charges investigators describe as “upsetting.”

“When something like this happens, especially when it’s from someone in power, like a teacher, it’s a very upsetting thing.”

Prosecutors say 39-year-old Shane Riethmiller exchanged sexual text messages and pictures with a 15-year-old student. They also say he had sexual contact with her. The alleged incidents took place in the last months of 2011.

The district says they began an investigation when some faculty members and students came forward with information.

Salamanca Schools Superintendent Robert Breidenstein said, “Whenever allegations call into question the conduct of any adult directed towards children, we take that very seriously.”

In September, Riethmiller was re assigned to the district office but later that month, he resigned. At his arraignment, the judge ordered Riethmiller not to contact his alleged victim.