Delaware State Police have arrested 42-year-old Reed Messer, a former Delaware educator for multiple counts of rape after accusations of a sexual relationship with a former student.
On December 23, 2022, the Delaware State Police Troop 2, Criminal Investigations Unit, received a report from the Delaware Division of Family Services alleging a former teacher at Stanton Middle School, located at 1800 Limestone Road, Wilmington, had a sexual relationship with a juvenile student, approximately nine years prior. Through further investigation it was determined that the teacher and student had an apparent sexual relationship that began in October 2014 and lasted for approximately two months.
On April 26, 2023, troopers obtained an arrest warrant for Messer. Law Enforcement in South Carolina located Messer at her residence in Greenville, South Carolina and took her into custody. Messer was being held in the Department of Corrections in South Carolina until yesterday when she was extradited back to Delaware.
On May 8, 2023, Messer was transported to Troop 2 where she was charged with the following crimes:
- Sexual Abuse of a Child by a Person of Trust 1st Degree (Felony) – 2 counts
- Rape 3rd Degree (Felony)- 10 Counts
- Rape 4th Degree (Felony)- 10 Counts
Messer was arraigned by the Justice of the Peace Court #2 and committed to the Delores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution on a $310,000 cash bond.
Reed Messer has not been an employee of the Red Clay Consolidated School District since November 2014.
Due to the sensitivity of this case, and in consideration of the victim, only limited information will be released.
Delaware State Police Troop 2 Criminal Investigations Unit continues to investigate this case. Troopers are asking anyone who believes they have information regarding any additional criminal activity of Messer to please contact Detective A. Bange by calling 302-365-8390. Information may also be provided by sending a Private Facebook Message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.
If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit / Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll-free hotline at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit
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Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Jason Hatchell
Released: 050923 1312
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