Former Jeannette teacher, facing sex charges, ordered to stop communicating with students

A judge Friday ordered a former Jeannette High School teacher awaiting trial on charges she engaged in a sexual relationship with a student to stop communicating with other students.

Maria Chappell, 38, of Mt. Pleasant appeared before Westmoreland County Judge Christopher Feliciani to ask permission to leave home to work at a medical office while she is on house arrest.

Assistant District Attorney Karen Patterson raised concerns during the hearing that Chappell has continued to have contact with other students on social media sites.

“She shouldn't have any contact with any minor,” Patterson said.

Chappell was charged in April with having sex with a 16-year-old boy in her classroom as well as at a hotel. She has since been removed as a teacher. Her trial is scheduled to begin in January.

Defense attorney Jeff Monzo said Chappell, who had been honored as the district's Teacher of the Year, did not initiate the contacts but was sought out by her former students for advice.

“She just responded back that she couldn't talk with them,” Monzo said.

Rich Cholodofsky is a Tribune-Review staff writer.