Music teacher accused of sexting with 13-year-old student in Middletown
MIDDLETOWN, Del. -- A female music teacher has been arrested in connection with sending sexually explicit images to a male student.
Thirty-two-year-old Nicole Veneroso is facing multiple charges including dealing in child porn, second-degree criminal solicitation, five counts of providing obscenity to a child under 18, three counts of sexual abuse of a child by a person of trust in the second degree and other offenses.
Veneroso was a music teacher at the Everett Meredith Middle School, located in the 500 block of South Broad Street in Middletown, Delaware.
Police say the mother of a 13-year-old male student contacted school officials in January after she found sexually explicit videos and images of Veneroso on her son's cell phone.
An investigation by Delaware State Police revealed Veneroso and the student began a relationship in December 2015, during which the music teacher sent sexually explicit photos, videos and text messages.
The relationship continued until the discovery of the exchanges between Veneroso and the student, police say.
In portions of an affidavit the suspect says, "I am so confused and afraid and I don't understand my feelings. I don't understand how you have this affect on me."
Veneroso was arrested on Wednesday. She is being held at the Delores Baylor Correctional Institution on $53,250 secured bail.
School officials say she has been terminated, and sent the following letter to parents:
On January 27, the Appoquinimink School District contacted parents and staff to notify you that a former music educator - Nicole Veneroso - was placed on administrative leave and prohibited from having contact with students, or entering our premises, after an allegation of misconduct.
We have been notified by the Delaware State Police that she was arrested today.
The district took the unusual step of informing parents and the public before an arrest was made because of our understanding that Veneroso conducted private lessons in the community.
Veneroso has received a notice of termination from the District.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has agreed to work with us to schedule an information session for parents to address concerns related to the allegations. Scheduling for that meeting will be determined by the DOJ in order to respect the legal rights of all parties.
In closing, we'd like to stress that Appoquinimink staff and Board members share your pain and concern about this situation. The safety of students is our top priority. You have our assurance that any allegation of inappropriate behavior will result in the immediate notification of local law enforcement officials, and we will work closely with them to protect our children.
Sincerely,
Matt Burrows
Superintendent of Schools
