Female teacher accused of having sex with student arrested in busy restaurant

Kimberly Siracuse pleads not guilty to charges relating to alleged incidents from two decades ago

The alleged incidents are said to have taken place at Ashland High School in the summer of 1997 (Google Maps)

A teacher has been accused of having sex with a female student two decades after the alleged incidents were reported to have happened.

Kimberly Siracuse, 48, pleaded not guilty to three counts of sexual battery relating to incidents which were said to have occurred between May and June 1997.

Siracuse, a social studies teacher at Ashland High School in Oregon, was arrested while having dinner at the nearby Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant.

Her attorney, James Mayer, criticised the “desire to make it a very public event” when there was “absolutely no flight risk”.

Police confirmed an investigation into Siracuse’s conduct had been ongoing for several months - she was placed on leave from Ashland High in March this year.

In court Mr Mayer argued officers “could have sent out a summons” and that the public arrest “seemed to be a bit unnecessary”, before reminding the judge Siracuse had no history of criminal activity.

Siracuse broke down in tears before the start of her hearing according to the Mansfield News Journal, and was ordered to have no contact with students at Ashland High or any school staff.

In March Ashland police confirmed they were in the process of investigating Siracuse for “engaging in conduct unbecoming to the teaching profession” and she was removed from her teaching role, following a complaint from a member of the local community.

She continues to work from home and is paid by the school, while a long-term substitute handles her classes.

Judge Ronald Forsthoefel set a date for the trial of March 14 2017, and said Siracuse must pay $15,000 if she wishes to leave county jail.