Chesterfield County Teacher Accused of Having Inappropriate Relationship with Student

Bryce Benning, who has been charged after police say he admitted to having an inappropriate relationship with a student. (Chesterfield County Detention Center.

Chesterfield County, S.C. (WPDE) — Bryce Benning, 24, is charged with criminal sexual conduct with a minor in the third degree after he admitted to having an inappropriate relationship with a student, according to Chesterfield County Sheriff Jay Brooks.

The Chesterfield County School District website says Benning is a band director at Chesterfield-Ruby Middle School.

Brooks said the school district notified them of the incident and deputies immediately began an investigation.

“Investigators of the Sheriff’s Office immediately started an investigation. This morning, a forensic interview was taken from the victim and shortly afterwards, the suspect was interviewed. The suspect admitted to an inappropriate relationship with the student. After notifying the victims’ family, the suspect had been charged with Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor Third Degree,” said Brooks.

Brooks said Benning has been released from the Chesterfield County Detention Center on bond.

He added the Chesterfield County Sheriff’s Office Victims Advocate Unit, along with the School District Office will continue to work with the victim and family to assure she has the appropriate counseling and support.

Benning was immediately placed on administrative leave, but he chose to resign later that same day, according to Ken Buck, Chesterfield County School District Public Information Officer.