Catholic school teacher accused of sending sexually explicit photos to 14-year-old

WILMINGTON, Delaware (WPVI) -- A Catholic school teacher in Wilmington, Delaware has been charged with allegedly sending sexually explicit photos to a 14-year-old former student.

Alanis Pinion, 24, an 8th-grade teacher at St. Mary Magdalen School, has been charged with sexual solicitation of a child under 18, endangering the welfare of a child and indecent exposure.

Police say Pinion had frequent contact with students on Snapchat and sent the explicit photos to one of them.

"I think it's unfortunate," said Rachel Gaskell who is a mother from Wilmington. "I think it's frightening."

"I have confidence in the school," said Greg Lavelle whose daughter graduated from the school years ago. "It's a great school, great families, it's a great parish. It's just an awful situation, and like I said, now the person will suffer the consequences."

Pinion was taken into custody on Thursday and is being held on $46,000 cash bail.

Police are concerned that there may be additional victims who have not yet come forward.

"You think your kids are safe, but it reminds you that you have to start teaching kids early about following their instincts and knowing when they're uncomfortable," added Gaskell.

Police said the Catholic Diocese of Wilmington is fully cooperating with the investigation.

Reverend James Kirk Jr. said in a letter, "The contractor had successfully completed the required background check process prior to her employment...Please be assured that all of us at Saint Mary Magdalen Parish and School, along with our partners at the Diocese of Wilmington, always keep the safety of our children and youth as a primary goal."

Authorities are asking anyone with any information about this investigation to contact Detective Daniel Watson at (302)395-8030 or by email at Daniel.Watson@newcastlede.gov