Tosha Kerperien, a former Ridgewood Middle School teacher, has been charged with three misdemeanors for allegedly sharing improper images of herself on social media with kids.
Tosha Kerperien, 37, of Imperial, was charged on June 3 with three counts of providing or attempting to provide pornographic material to children, each of which is a class A misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in prison and a fine of up to $2,000 for each count.
Kerperien started teaching at Ridgewood Middle School, 1401 Ridgewood School Road, between Arnold and Fenton, in the 2020-2021 school year and quit on February 1, according to the district.
C-6 Fox Today, Superintendent Paul Fregeau addressed a statement to district employees and families, saying, “Upon learning of the allegations made against this former staff member, district officials immediately began an investigation and reported the allegations to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s (Office) and the Department of Child and Family Services. The individual was immediately placed on leave. Throughout the investigation, the district has cooperated and will continue to fully cooperate with law enforcement officials.”
Fregeau also said he can’t discuss details of the case “out of respect for the privacy of our students and all other parties involved, and in accordance with state law and Board of Education policy.”
Kerperien reportedly shared improper photographs of herself on the Snapchat social media platform, which deletes messages after they are viewed, between Jan. 14 and Jan. 16, according to the probable-cause statement in the case.
On Jan. 18, the Sheriff’s Office got allegations that numerous teachers and students had seen the images, and deputies went to Kerperien’s house that day to check on her after she allegedly made suicide threats, according to the report.
According to the complaint, three juveniles allegedly received a Snapchat photo showing Kerperien lying naked on her stomach with her buttocks exposed, and one of the juveniles claimed to have received a Snapchat photo of Kerperien wearing a shirt and thong-style panties.
According to the probable-cause statement, the three juveniles said Kerperien had interacted with them through the Snapchat account prior to allegedly receiving the indecent photographs, and they claimed the former instructor was the only one who had contacted them through that account.
Kerperien was summoned by the Sheriff’s Office to appear before Jefferson County Div. 14 Associate Circuit Judge Tim Miller on July 11, according to court filings.
Kerperien was not arrested or photographed, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
No lawyer is listed Kerperien in court records.
Last known contact information:
Address: 5022 Ehlers Dr Imperial, MO 63052
Phone: (314) 610-2899
Email: tosha.kerperien@hotmail.com
