Pa. teacher faces charges

GIRARD, Pa. (AP) -- A 55-year-old middle school teacher was jailed Monday on charges he fondled one of his pupils almost daily for more than a year.
Gregory J. Yarbenet, a science teacher at Rice Avenue Middle School in Girard, was being held in the Erie County jail on $75,000 bond after being accused of fondling a girl between February 1999 and June 2000.
Yarbenet declined to comment after a hearing Monday on charges of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, indecent assault, corruption of minors and endangering the welfare of children.
According to a criminal complaint, Yarbenet, who has taught at the school for 32 years, fondled and kissed the girl's breasts and buttocks and on two occasions, had her perform oral sex in the school.
Yarbenet was suspended March 28, the day after the girl's parents told police their 16-year-old daughter might have been molested by a teacher.
Police said Yarbenet gave the girl letters, gifts and mementos.