Being accused of a sexual offense can be devastating. The damage to your career and reputation in the community can be long-lasting, even after charges are dropped or you are found innocent. Of course, your family will also come under extreme stress. That's why it is extremely important that anyone accused of a sex crime immediately seek legal assistance to explore all options available.

A Virginia teacher has recently learned exactly what kind of damage and stress charges of sex crimes can cause. Pennsylvania police have accused the teacher of carrying on an online relationship with a minor for almost two years. According to police, both the teenage girl and the teacher have exchanged sexually-explicit videos, but police refuse to charge the teen. The teacher allegedly faces charges of child pornography, open lewdness, displaying explicit sex materials to a minor, unlawful contact with a minor and corruption of a minor.

The teen's parents supposedly only found out about the apparent communication between the teacher and the teen several months after it allegedly started. The parents reported their suspicions to South Williamsport, Pennsylvania, police.

While police claim the teen and the teacher met in December 2010 in Pennsylvania, they do not assert that there was any sexual contact between the two.

The Richmond Times-Dispatch reported that in light of these allegations, the school district in which the teacher worked has decided not to let him back in the classroom this fall. Even though the teacher has not been found guilty or even started trial for alleged sex crimes, he may be put on leave. The spokesperson said the teacher had originally been expected to teach this fall.

Source: Richmond Times-Dispatch, "Update: Henrico teacher won't fight extradition to Pa. in teen sex case," Reed Williams, 24 June 2011