CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A Kanawha County teacher, a former Miss Kentucky, was arrested Friday and charged with sending nude photos to a teenager.
Ramsey BethAnn Bearse, 28, of Charleston, a science teacher at Andrew Jackson Middle School in Cross Lanes, was charged with four counts of sending obscene material to a minor.
Deputies allege she sent nude photos to a 15-year-old former student. According to the criminal complaint, Bearse admitted to sending at least four photos to the boy earlier this year via Snapchat of her “nude breast/chest area.”
Deputies began investigating after being contacted by the boy’s mother earlier this week. She found the photos on her son’s phone. The deputy interviewed Bearse Thursday.
Kanawha County Schools Communications Director Briana Warner confirmed Bearse’s employment but wouldn’t comment on the specifics of the case.
“We cannot comment on personnel matters, but we will follow all applicable policies and procedures. The safety and security of our students is our top priority,” Warner said.
Bearse, whose maiden name was Ramsey Carpenter, was crowned Miss Kentucky in 2014. She competed in the Miss America Pageant in 2015.
Bearse was arraigned in Kanawha County Magistrate Court Friday afternoon and was released on $10,000 bond.
Bearse had little to say at her arraignment.
“I have no comment to make to you all at this time,” Bearse said.