A teacher at Osbourn High School in Manassas, Va., is in custody, accused of having inappropriate conduct with a 16-year-old boy.
Kevin Ricks, 49, was arrested on school grounds Thursday. He faces charges of carnal knowledge, aggravated sexual battery and two counts of indecent liberties while in a supervisory position.
The alleged offenses with a former student took place at a home in Manassas in December and January.
The English teacher had been at Osbourn for only three years, but was already a favorite of many students.
“He was a nice teacher. I would not have suspected any of that,” said a junior at Osbourn.
Some students said Ricks went beyond teaching to form friendships with students after school hours.
Christian Savoy, a senior at Osborn, said some of Ricks’ behavior seemed a little “iffy” to him.
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“He would talk to me outside of school every once and a while. It felt a little weird to me, but at the same time, I could tell he was being affectionate about it,” said Savoy.
On his MySpace page, Ricks described himself as a “writer, masquerading as a teacher”.
Ricks is married and has a home on Maryland's Eastern Shore.
Students said the teacher was involved in the Travel Club at Osbourn High. Web postings and a yearbook photo show he’s had involvement with foreign exchange students.
Ricks’ classroom was a popular hangout spot for students.
“He was more friendly than other teachers,” said John Uminski, a junior at Osbourne. “He seemed to help out a lot more—not just with school but with personal problems, too.”
Other students agreed.
“A lot of kids were talking about how they were so surprised, how he was a ‘great teacher, a great friend’ and everything,” said Savoy.
A female student who eats lunch in Ricks’ classroom every day is shocked by the allegations.
“I don’t know if it’s true or not -- if so, it’s upsetting to hear.”
A mother whose daughter is in Ricks’ class is as surprised as the students.
“Her English teacher? I don’t believe that -- he’s a very nice gentlemen. He’s very good to them, so it’s very hard to believe.”
Manassas City School officials sent a letter home with Osbourn High School students Friday to let their parents know about the charges against the teacher.
Ricks is on administrative leave without pay. He is being held without bond until his court hearing.
Manassas City Schools are providing counselors to any students who are troubled by the allegations against the popular teacher.
