WISN: More Sex Assault Allegations Against Messmer Teacher

A second sexual assault victim may have emerged in the case against Megan Garland, a 28-year-old Waukesha woman and Messmer High School science teacher, who is accused of inappropriate sexual contact with a 14-year-old student, Patch's media partners at WISN 12 News is reporting.

Garland remains hospitalized after a suicide attempt, according to WISN 12 News. She has been charged with sexual assault of a child.

The 14-year-old boy in that case told police Garland was also having sexual activity with a 15-year-old student, WISN 12 News is reporting.

Milwaukee police officers were called to The Destiny Church and School, 7210 N. 76th St., in Milwaukee, on Thursday after a witness saw a car moving with steamed-up windows.

The witness opened the door and saw the exposed boy having sexual contact with Garland, according to the complaint filed Tuesday.

Garland faces up to 25 years initial confinement in prison and $100,000 in fines if convicted of the felony charge.

Garland remains suspended from Messmer High School, according to a statement from Mike Bartels of Messmer Catholic Schools:

Everyone at Messmer Catholic Schools was saddened and outraged to hear of additional allegations in the current investigation being conducted by the Milwaukee Police Department. Such conduct, if proven true, is unacceptable at Messmer Catholic Schools and we take any such allegations very seriously.

We continue to cooperate fully with the MilwaukeePolice Department in this ongoing investigation. At Messmer, our faculty and staff are held to the highest standards. Our staff is required toparticipate in training to maintain a safe environment for children. This training includes protecting our children from any kind of abuse or other dangers. Participating in our required training program helps all who work with children be more attuned to the warning signs of abuse and identify ways to respond.

The alleged conduct by the accused teacher is in strict violation of our code of conduct. Such allegations, if proven to be true, would constitute a violation of ourcontract. Since learning of these allegations, we have provided counseling and support for our students,faculty and staff and will continue to do so. We have asked that anyone with concerns or information come forward so that we may direct them to the appropriate authorities.

The teacher, who was charged on May 28, remains suspended pending the outcome of the police investigation and Messmer’s own internal review. As we move forward, we continue our commitment to thesafety, protection and privacy of all of our students and school community. As this is an ongoing legal matter, Messmer Catholic Schools has no further comment at this time.

We do ask that you join us in praying for the families involved and that you please respect the privacy and education of all of our students and their families as they strive to complete this academic year.