A Bradford Area High School English teacher has been suspended and criminally charged after an alleged underage drinking party at her home in Bradford Township in December.
Melissa Joy Krepp, 33, of Custer City, is facing one charge of conspiracy to sell or furnish alcohol to a minor, a third-degree misdemeanor.
On Wednesday, Bradford Township Police Chief Robb Shipman said there is an ongoing investigation into other allegations as well. He declined further comment, but said anyone with information is asked to contact police.
According to the criminal complaint in the case, a teacher at Bradford Area High School told a school resource officer about an alleged party at Krepp’s home, where high school students were drinking alcohol.
The party, which allegedly took place Dec. 22, was outside at Krepp’s home, where an outdoor fire pit is located, police said.
During the investigation, police allege they learned that Krepp knew the party was planned to take place on her property and that alcohol was there. Police said she attended the party with students from her high school class whom she knew to be under the age of 21, the criminal complaint stated.
She observed the students drinking alcohol, but did nothing to stop the party or the consumption of alcohol. Krepp consumed alcohol at the party, and provided snacks, chairs and speaker to play music during the course of the party, the complaint alleged.
The charge was filed in District Judge Rich Luther’s office, where Krepp is scheduled to be arraigned April 10 at 10 a.m.
Superintendent Katharine Pude said Wednesday that Krepp has been suspended “pending further investigation.”
“The district is following up on the criminal charges and will evaluate the situation further when we have more information,” she said. “The safety of our students is always paramount and we take allegations of inappropriate behavior by our staff very seriously.”
Pude declined further comment, citing confidentiality laws with personnel issues.
Court records did not indicate an attorney for Krepp.
