PA teacher charged with wiretapping after recording, sharing private conversation with student

A teacher in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, has been charged with felony wiretapping after secretly recording a private conversation with a student and sharing it with another student.

The Laurel Highlands high school teacher, 33-year old Ashley Thurby Kolesar, was formally charged with felony wiretapping this week after she recorded a conversation with a 15-year old student in her classroom about his grades. Video evidence showed Kolesar later shared the recording with another 17-year old student, making fun of the student in the video.

The school superintendent issued a statement after Kolesar was arrested and arraigned last Thursday, condemning her behavior. “We have come to know that a felony charge(s) will or have been filed against one of our professional teaching staff. In addition, as we understand the circumstances, this matter continues to be an open and ongoing investigation,” said superintendent Jesse T. Wallace, III. 

The incident followed a previous investigation into allegations that Kolesar was having an inappropriate relationship with a student. At the time, Wallace announced that the investigation had not turned up any evidence of an inappropriate relationship with a student, and the school district was keeping a watchful eye on Kolesar.

Kolesar has been charged with a total of three charges, including interception, wiretapping, and distribution of wiretapped material.