Tuscumbia High School teacher accused of sending nude photos to student via Snapchat
UPDATE 4:30 pm: According to Miller County School District officials, Rice’s employment with the district ended in May.
UPDATE 2:25 pm: Rice was arrested and taken to the Camden County Jail. He was later released on bond.
ORIGINAL STORY: A teacher at Tuscumbia High School has been charged with sexual misconduct in the second degree after he was accused of sending inappropriate messages via Snapchat.
According to the probable cause statement, Joseph Rice added and began flirting with a previous student in May of 2017.
The 16-year-old victim claimed that Rice would send messages stating that “he could use his tongue well.”
In September of 2017, Rice was accused of requesting the victim send him nude photos of herself. The victim claimed Rice would threaten her by saying if she did not send the photos something would happen.
Miller County deputies said the victim sent Rice nude pictures and in return he sent her nude photos.
The victim told officers Rice sent her a Snapchat message asking if he could pick her up from a game and take her to have sex.
According to the probable cause statement, Rice is still an active educator and has access to other students.
A warrant was issued for Rice’s arrest and a bond is set at $2,000.
ABC17 has reached out to Tuscumbia High School to learn if Rice is still employed by the district.
Stay with this story for the latest information.
