Retired teacher charged with raping student

SOMERSET, Pa. (AP) — A retired Mercer County teacher has been charged with raping and sexually assaulting a former student in 2001.

Stephen Shaffer, 55, of Grove City, is accused of assaulting the female student when she was 13 and 14 on two occasions in early 2001.

At the time, Shaffer was a science teacher at Somerset Area Junior High School. Authorities say he retired in 2005. Shaffer surrendered his teacher’s license in November.

Police say the former student, now 21, recently came forward. Police say Shaffer sent her love letters, cards and notes that indicate a physical relationship.

Police have charged Shaffer with rape, statutory sexual assault, aggravated indecent assault and other related crimes. A phone number for him could not be found Wednesday.