Former teacher accused of sex crimes appears in court

HOT SPRINGS, S.D. (AP) A former teacher accused of having sexual contact with and supplying alcohol to minors appeared in a Hot Springs courtroom yesterday.

George Krenz, a former ninth-grade social studies teacher at Hot Springs, faces three counts of fourth-degree rape, one count of sexual contact with a person younger than 16 and an alternate count of second-degree rape.

After hearing defense motions to inspect school records to see if any of the alleged victims had psychological sessions or whether letters have been written about them, Circuit Judge Jeff Davis said such records if they exist will be reviewed behind closed doors.

A Fall River County grand jury has indicted Krenz on eight counts of furnishing alcohol to six minors. Authorities say the sexual incidents occurred in March and April with three minors when Krenz provided the alcohol in his home.

The 30-year-old Krenz resigned May eighth.

(Thanks Jennifer Dowling, KEVN, Rapid City) (Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 07-14-07 0940CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list