PORTAGE, Wis. — A former teacher at Portage High School admitted to having a sexual relationship with a male student at her home, according to documents filed in Columbia County Circuit Court.
Abby M. Dibbs, 35, of Cross Plains faces tentative charges of sexual assault of a child by a school staff person. She is expected to make her initial appearance in court Friday afternoon.
Dibbs was arrested on Thursday. Officials with the Portage Community School District contacted the Portage Police Department on Wednesday after learning about a possible relationship.
According to a criminal complaint, Dibbs told detectives she had sex twice with a male student last weekend at her home in Cross Plains. Dibbs told detectives she and the teen discussed having feelings for one another and that “lines had been crossed,” the complaint said.
Detectives said the teen also admitted to having a sexual relationship with Dibbs at her home. The teen told authorities he had developed feelings for Dibbs and was upset with the person who “snitched” on them, the complaint said.
“It is obviously sensitive because a juvenile is involved. There’s also a trust relationship between teachers and students; it’s a large betrayal of trust,” Garrigan said.
Dibbs was an English teacher at Portage High School. The Portage Community School District released a statement about the investigation Friday, saying Dibbs was no longer employed by the district and would not be returning to the classroom.
“Upon learning of this matter, the District responded immediately and contacted law enforcement,” said Dawn Brauner, a spokeswoman for the Portage Community School District. “We feel confident that the high school and all district buildings are safe and secure for all students and staff. We appreciate the efforts of our law enforcement in addressing this matter. ”
Brauner said the district would not be releasing any other information about the investigation at this time.
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