Charges Dropped Against Baltimore County Teacher Accused of Sex Offenses

Victims declined to testify, leading to case being dismissed

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Charges against a Baltimore County teacher who was accused of sex offenses have been dropped, according to the County State's Attorney. The change comes after the victims said they would not testify in court in order to protect their mental health and well-being, leading the case to be considered "Noelle Pros" or "unwilling to prosecute."

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges prosecutors face when victims are unwilling to testify, even in cases involving serious allegations. It also raises questions about the school district's response and whether more could have been done to protect students.

The details

The middle school physical education teacher was initially charged with sexually assaulting students on school property. The teacher was put on administrative leave in January 2025, after the school learned about the investigation. The teacher worked for the district since 1996 and began working at Deep Creek Middle School in 2024.

  • The teacher was arrested in January 2025.
  • The teacher was released from custody on recognizance shortly after the arrest.

The players

Baltimore County State's Attorney

The office that decided to drop the charges against the teacher.

Laura Kelly

Principal of Deep Creek Middle School, where the teacher worked.

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What they’re saying

“Ensuring a safe learning environment for our students is our top priority.”

— Laura Kelly, Principal (cbsnews.com)

The takeaway

This case highlights the difficult balance schools and prosecutors must strike between protecting victims' well-being and pursuing justice, especially in sensitive cases involving allegations of sexual misconduct.