WIS News 10 - Columbia, South Carolina | Court date set for Aiken Co. teacher accused in sex scandal
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Shannon FowlerNORTH AUGUSTA, SC (WIS) - An Aiken County teacher is headed to court after officials say she had an inappropriate relationship with one of her students.
Shannon Fowler, 37, was arrested after authorities said the relationship with a 14-year-old dated back to the fall.
She's scheduled to appear in court on September 5.
According to SLED, Fowler is charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor, enticing a child from school and violating test security regulations.
SLED investigators say the teacher spoke with the student throughout the day in person and by phone and text messages.
Investigators say the conversations between the two were sexual in nature and even encouraged the girl to skip class to spend time with her.
Parent Julie Cockrell said her son was in Fowler's class.
"It's scary. You are supposed to feel safe to have your kids at school, but now there are predators messing with your kids," Cockrell said.
She's astounded to hear investigators say in March Fowler asked the student to hide their relationship, using an imaginary friend as an alibi.
An affidavit says Fowler discussed questions that were on the state's standardized test.
Investigators also say she also bought the student a cell phone during the relationship.
"I'm shocked. My daughter was going to have her this year and she's 14. That just sends your mind racing," Cockrell said.
Cockrell says before these allegations, they heard nothing but great things about this middle school math teacher.
"All the kids like her. My daughter likes her. This was really shocking," Cockrell said.
SLED handled the investigation because Fowler's husband is a former employee of the North Augusta Department of Public Safety.
The state board of education says Shannon Fowler's teaching license will be suspended while they conduct their own investigation.
Previous Story:
Reported by Brian DeRoy
Updated by Jeremy Turnage
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