Former Central Catholic teacher avoids prison, gets probation for sexual contact with student

NEW PHILADELPHIA ‒ A former high school science teacher avoided prison and will spend three years on probation for sexual contact with a 17-year-old who was her student.

Dover resident Riley A. Stone, 27, pleaded guilty to gross sexual imposition, a fourth-degree felony.

More:Woman charged with committing sex offenses against student while teaching at Central

Visiting Judge James Kimbler reserved six to 18 months in prison. That term could be imposed if Stone violates terms of her probation, which include completion of a certified sex offender treatment program. She must register her address with the local sheriff annually for 15 years.

The plea and sentencing took place Nov. 18 in Tuscarawas County Common Pleas Court.

The county prosecutor's office dropped three charges from the original indictment: disseminating matter harmful to juveniles, pandering sexually oriented matter involving a minor and illegal use of a minor in nudity-oriented material or performance.

"We dismissed the charges related to dissemination of child pornography because there was a plausible question about the age of the victim at the time that occurred," County Prosecutor Ryan Styer wrote in an email. "We are content with a guilty plea to the underlying crime, gross sexual imposition. We are content that she’ll be a registered sex offender and be required to complete sex offender counseling. I also understand that she will lose her teaching licensure."

Styer wrote that Stone's behavior "is simply intolerable by any teacher we entrust with our children."

Stone's employment with Tuscarawas Central Catholic Junior/Senior High School was terminated on July 20, according to Jason M. Mays, communications director for the Diocese of Columbus. She taught at the school for five years.

He said the inappropriate behavior first came to light July 13, when the former student shared the story with school staff. Mays said the allegations were promptly reported to the proper authorities and officials.

The Ohio Supreme Court appointed Kimbler. The case was originally assigned to Tuscarawas County Common Pleas Judge Elizabeth Lehigh Thomakos. New Philadelphia police conducted the investigation.

Stone declined to comment and a message was left with her attorney.

Reach Nancy at 330-364-8402 or nancy.molnar@timesreporter.com. On Twitter: @nmolnarTR

This article originally appeared on The Times-Reporter: Former teacher Riley Stone ordered to complete sex offender treatment