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Former GCS substitute teacher charged with sex crimes faces additional charge

Richard Gene Martin, 73, is facing several sex offense charges, including an additional charge of attempted 1st-degree statutory rape.

GUILFORD COUNTY, N.C. — A former substitute teacher who was arrested for sex crimes is facing more charges.

Court officials said on Tuesday, that Richard Gene Martin, 73, is facing an additional charge of attempted first-degree statutory rape. He's also facing a bond of more than $1 million, according to attorneys. 

Police said on May 10, officers arrested and charged Martin for a sexual assault incident. The initial investigation resulted in Martin being charged with the following:

  • Statutory sex offenses with a minor under 15 years of age 
  • Indecent liberties with a student
  • Indecent liberties with a child
  • Contributing to the delinquency of a minor
  • Felony possession of marijuana 
  • Possession with intent to sell

Judge Michelle Fletcher said the maximum sentence for indecent liberties with a child is 68 months in prison for each count. The maximum sentence for first-degree attempted statutory rape is 490 months in prison.

Greensboro police arrested and charged Martin for a sexual assault incident on May 10.

A vice narcotics squad originally started investigating Martin after they were informed of a substitute teacher at Grimsley high school giving drugs to students, according to the DA.

During surveillance, an officer approached Martin's car where he found him providing an 18-year-old with a condom. 

On Tuesday, Guilford County District Attorney Avery Crump said police found evidence Martin provided an 18-year-old male Grimsley High School student with drugs, in return for sexual favors. 

The 18-year-old told police Martin touched him inappropriately in the swimming pool last summer and whenever he would get drugs from him, according to the DA. They said Martin also took part in sexual acts with a young teen girl in exchange for drugs. 

The DA also said a raid was performed on Martin's home and they found peeping images and videos from inside a school that hasn't been named yet, as well as peeping images from out within the community. 

Martin's attorney, J.D. Byers, said Martin has the support of his family and they will fight these allegations. 

"The allegations although they are very serious allegations are just that allegations at this point," Byers said.

Byers presented the court with letters from community members and family Tuesday. He said this just proves Martin is an outstanding member of the community. 

DA Crump disagrees. She said Martin is leading two separate lives and is a danger to the community. 

According to the DA, one victim has come forward saying Martin exposed himself to her a couple of years ago. 

This is still an ongoing investigation, the next court date is set for June 14. 

Guilford County Schools' Chief of Staff Dr. Rebecca Kaye released a statement about the investigation. 

“We are deeply troubled by this news and the horrific breach of trust, and we are providing all necessary resources to support the law enforcement investigation. We encourage anyone with additional information to come forward. As always, our counseling staff is available to students who desire support," Kaye said. 

Judge Fletcher added conditions to both bonds presented Tuesday.

She said if Martin were to make bail: 

  • He will have to undergo electronic monitoring 
  • Have a curfew from 7 pm to 6 am
  • He isn't allowed to leave the address decided upon 
  • He isn't allowed to talk to prosecuted witnesses
  • No contact with any minor including children in his family
  • Isn't allowed on any schools properties or daycares

Anyone who believes they have information about these incidents is asked to report it to Greensboro Police Department.

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