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© St. Petersburg Times, published November 30, 2001
SPRING HILL -- The Sheriff's Office found no truth to allegations that a Fox Chapel Middle School teacher had a sexual relationship with a female student.
Christopher H. Wilson, a social studies teacher and coach at Fox Chapel, has been cleared of any wrongdoing by detectives who began an investigation on Nov. 9 after an anonymous complaint was logged with the Child Abuse Hotline.
The caller said that a student told her mother or her mother's friend that she had been sexually molested and raped by Wilson. The caller said Wilson made inappropriate comments to the student and that they talked late at night on the telephone and computer. During the investigation, the student's mother gave detectives a copy of an e-mail she said Wilson sent her daughter.
Because of the investigation, Wilson was put on paid leave Nov. 9, customary when a "serious allegation" is made against a teacher, said Edd Poore, the school district's personnel director. Wilson was put on unpaid leave as of Nov. 20 because the district limits how much paid leave an employee can have, Poore said.
The Sheriff's Office conducted a "very thorough" investigation, said Lt. Joe Paez. After numerous interviews, detectives decided that "no criminal wrongdoing can be determined and this case is being unfounded."
Wilson was reinstated at Fox Chapel Thursday and is expected to return to work on Monday.
Poore said Wilson could request reimbursement for pay lost during his suspension. He said the School Board could decide to discipline Wilson if it determines that anything inappropriate occurred.
Fox Chapel principal Dave Schoelles said he did not anticipate any further action, but if any were taken, it would be treated as a private personnel issue.
"We're happy that the situation is resolved and that Mr. Wilson is coming back to work," he said.
Wilson could not be reached for comment Thursday. His attorney, Bud Hallman, said Wilson was relieved.
"This has been a stressful situation," Hallman said. "Wilson is a fine young man who enjoys teaching. He's active in the community and wants to make sure this is a good place for kids."
He said he believes any damage to Wilson's reputation will be repaired in time.
Wilson, 31, has been teaching social studies at Fox Chapel for about four years. He also is the athletic director, assistant football coach and boys' track coach. He previously taught alternative education classes and was a substitute teacher.