On Tuesday, February 11, 2014, the Knoxville Police Department took a report of sexual abuse involving a 15-year old Knoxville High School student and Knoxville High School Physical Education teacher, Troy N. Rider.

Knoxville Police Chief Dan Losada says over the course of the investigation, the Knoxville Police Department received and recovered evidence that corroborates the accusations against Mr. Rider.

Losada says that on Friday, March 7, 2014, at about noon, Mr. Rider turned himself in to the Knoxville Police Department and was transported to the Marion County Jail for processing and lodging, and is being held on $50,000 bond after an initial court appearance Friday.

Mr. Rider is charged with two (2) counts of Sexual Abuse 3rd Degree, a Class C Felony and one (1) count of Sexual Exploitation By A School Teacher, which is a Class D Felony.

Losada says this investigation is continuing and additional charges are possible.

When contacted by KNIA KRLS News, Carlisle Police Lt. Koch says a warrant for Rider’s arrest has been issued in Carlisle as well, for the offense of sexual exploitation by a school employee.

Knoxville Superintendent Dr. Randy Flack tells KNIA KRLS News that he appreciates the work of law enforcement and the Marion County Attorney’s Office on the case. With respect to the status of Mr. Rider, the school board will follow district procedures on personnel matters over the next few weeks before making a determination.

Additionally, the Knoxville Police Department wants to remind everyone that a criminal charge is merely an accusation and a person charged with a criminal offense is innocent until proven guilty by a court.