WILMINGTON, DE – A Delaware Catholic school teacher faces serious charges after allegedly sending explicit photos to a 14-year-old former student, police said.
Alanis Pinion, 24, an 8th-grade teacher at St. Mary Magdalen School in Wilmington, was arrested Thursday by New Castle County Police. Authorities revealed that Pinion had been using Snapchat to communicate with her students and sent sexually explicit images to one of them.
The Catholic Diocese of Wilmington, which operates the school, was notified by police and cooperated fully with the investigation. Pinion now faces one felony count of sexual solicitation of a child under 18, one felony count of endangering the welfare of a child, and one misdemeanor count of indecent exposure in the first degree.
Following her arrest, Pinion was arraigned and sent to Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution after failing to post $46,000 cash bail. Rev. James T. Kirk, of Saint Mary Magdalen Parish, stated that Pinion was a part-time employee who had successfully passed a background check prior to her hiring. Her one-year contract with the school expired on June 30.
The incident has shocked the local community, raising concerns about the safety and well-being of students. The Diocese has assured parents and guardians that they are taking the matter seriously and are committed to ensuring a safe environment for all students.
As the investigation continues, authorities urge anyone with additional information to come forward. The case highlights the growing concern over the misuse of social media platforms by individuals in positions of trust.