St. Frances Academy teacher accused of inappropriate relationship with student

A former teacher at a Baltimore Catholic school faces child sex abuse charges.

Police arrested Ryan Penalver, 27, after St. Frances Academy received allegations that he had an inappropriate relationship with a 15-year-old female student. Penalver had been held without bail, but a judge released him Monday on his own recognizance.

Penalver has taught history at St. Frances Academy for seven years. He's charged with sex abuse of a minor, third- and fourth-degree sex offenses, second-degree child abuse and perverted practice.

"We believe the relationship started in April and continued into May. A friend of the victim reported it to the school, who immediately contacted Child Protective Services, and they contacted us," Baltimore police Detective Jeremy Silbert said.

St. Frances Academy teacher accused of inappropriate relationship with student