Bare

RHMS teacher pleads not guilty to charges

A Rock Hill Middle School teacher accused of having sexual contact with a student was arraigned Tuesday in Lawrence County Common Pleas Court.

Melissa Bare, 35, of County Road 105, Kitts Hill, entered a plea of not guilty to two counts of sexual battery through her attorney, Derick Fisher. Judge Charles Cooper set bond at $50,000 cash or $75,000 property and ordered Bare to return to court May 9 for a pretrial conference.

Bare has reportedly since been put on leave from the school district. Her alleged victim was a 16-year-old boy.

Bare was indicted last week by a Lawrence County grand jury.