03/19/2025
Local News 3/19/25
The arrest of John Richards, 57, of Newtown Square, on felony charges of Attempted Institutional Sexual Assault, Unlawful Contact With a Minor and other charges.
On March 17, 2025, a Norristown Police detective responded to Blockson Middle School after receiving information from Norristown Police School Resource Officer William Kane and Principal David Luger about a teacher’s inappropriate contact with a student. An investigation found that Richards, who teaches eighth grade, called a 13-year-old female student to his desk at the back of the classroom to show her a typed message on his cellphone
Norristown Police later reviewed Richards’ cellphone and located a second message to the girl, which said: “That came out all wrong. I’m sorry for demanding anything. I have no right. When I see you my heart skips a beat. When you are around I find myself staring without meaning to. I wonder what your lips taste like and I hope to god there’s a chance for me to find out. I don’t know what else to say besides I think you’re amazing.”
Richards turned himself in this morning to Norristown Police. He is charged with felony Attempted Institutional Sexual Assault, Attempted Solicitation for Institutional Sexual Assault and Unlawful Contact With a Minor—Sexual Offense, as well as misdemeanor charges of Corruption of Minors, Endangering the Welfare of a Child and Attempted Indecent Assault of Person Less Than 16 Years Old. Richards was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Todd Stephens, who set bail at $10,000 cash bail, with additional conditions of no contact with the victim or minors. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 10 a.m., March 27, 2025, before Magisterial District Judge Denise Ashe.
•
•
📍
