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By Matt Sanctis, Staff Writer Updated 9:04 AM Tuesday, July 7, 2009

St. PARIS — A Graham High School student will face charges for allegedly taking his teacher’s cell phone and sharing her personal photos with classmates.

Authorities have been investigating the case since last month, after a student allegedly took the cell phone of teacher Chantelle Rose from her desk. The phone contained racy photos of the teacher, which the student forwarding to himself and his classmates, according to Champaign County Sheriff’s Department.

Sheriff Brent Emmons said he discussed the case with the county prosecutor’s office, and charges will be filed later this week. The juvenile could be charged with unauthorized use of a telecommunications device, a fourth degree felony.

The case will be handled through the juvenile courts and it is unclear exactly what punishment the juvenile could face, Emmons said.

He said the prosecutor’s office felt it was appropriate to file charges in the case because the situation damaged the teacher’s reputation. In the photos, Rose was wearing lingerie.

“Not only did he take the information from the cell phone, but he distributed it,” Emmons said.

Rose could not be reached for comment Monday afternoon.

Graham District’s Superintendent Jim Zerkle has said the situation was embarrassing for everyone involved.

Although the district has no plans to discipline Rose, Zerkle said he was required to turn the case over to the Department of Education’s Office of Professional Conduct.

Rose joined the district in 1999, and her evaluations showed excellent and effective marks in all categories.

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0355 or msanctis@coxohio.com.

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