STROUDSBURG — Troopers arrested a high school teacher in Monroe County Wednesday morning and charged her with child sex crimes.
Cynthia Hartopp, 28, of Stroudsburg was arraigned on charges of institutional sexual assault and corruption of minors.
Hartopp has been suspended from her job as an art teacher at East Stroudsburg North High School.
Troopers say she would pick up the student and take him to her apartment in Stroudsburg where the crimes occurred.
Hartopp, 28, of Stroudsburg ignored reporter questions as she was escorted out of district court.
State police say the investigation started in April when the principal of East Stroudsburg North High School received an anonymous tip. A caller said a teacher was having an inappropriate relationship with one of her 16-year-old students.
Troopers say they believe that teacher is Hartopp. She taught the student last year.
But this year, Hartopp had the student in her after-school art club and also helped him with his biology school work.
Police say in February, Hartopp gave the student her cell phone number and the two would call and text each other. The teacher asked the student if he was a virgin then explained that she broke up with her boyfriend and then asked the student if he wanted to hang out.
According to court papers, the sex crimes took place inside the apartment where Hartopp lives. Police say the teacher would pick up the student and then bring him back to the apartment.
East Stroudsburg Area School District officials tell Newswatch 16:
“Ms. Hartopp was placed on leave on April 9, 2013 immediately upon the district learning of allegations involving inappropriate communications with students. This matter was referred immediately to the Pennsylvania State Police for investigation.”
Hartopp has been a teacher at East Stroudsburg High School North for five years.
She is charged with institutional sexual assault and corruption of minors.
