Fell for the ol’ cop posing as a teen on the Internet trick.
Pennsylvania – from www.fox8.com – A one time “Teacher of the Year” resigns after admitting he tried to meet, what he thought was a 13-year old girl, for sex.
Robert Fickenscher, 58, plead guilty to one count of criminal attempted unlawful contact with a minor and one count of criminal use of a computer in Allegheny County Common Pleas Court in Pennsylvania.
A woman, who later identified herself as the former teacher’s wife told Fox 8 the family’s attorney advised them not to comment about the case.
“Leave the guy alone,” the woman said. “We’ve been advised not to say anything because it gets twisted, the truth is twisted, leave it alone, leave it alone.”
Fickenscher, a chemistry teacher at Madison High School in Lake County turned in his resignation Monday after pleading guilty to the charges.
According to the Pennsylvania Attorney General, Fickenscher used his home computer to proposition an undercover agent, posing as a 13-year old girl. They say he identified himself as a 35-year old man from Erie, who enjoyed racing cars and on several occasions described in graphic detail the sex acts he wanted to perform with her.
Authorities say Fickenscher sent sexually explicit webcam videos, and tried to entice the girl to meet at a motel near her home, promising to give her wine coolers if she had sex with him.
Investigators say some of the videos showed Fickenscher wearing womens underwear and performing a striptease for the child.
“It’s just ridiculous how a 57-year old man is trying to hook up with a 13-year old, like find someone your own age, and you’re married, that’s just wrong,” said former Madison High School student Nicole Bertone. “I never had him, but a lot of my classmates loved him.”
“Obviously we don’t support that type of behavior, nor did anyone here ever dream that he would have done something like that…I think we’re truly fortunate that none of our children, upon our investigation, were involved in this,” said Madison Schools superintendent Dr. Roger Goudy.
Dr. Goudy said Fickenscher had a clean record and no complaints against him. He was even named Teacher of the Year by the local Walmart two years ago for a rocketry program he conducted.
“He conducted this program where kids entered competitions and Walmart recognized him for going above and beyond in that area,” said Goudy. “It’s disappointing, but at the same time, we have to maintain the highest moral values in this business.”
Fickenscher had been on paid administrative leave since he was arrested back in November. He remains out on bond and will be sentenced in Pennsylvania on July 27th.