MARIES COUNTY, MO — Rikki Lynn Laughlin, a 25-year-old special education teacher, faces multiple criminal charges from an alleged relationship with a 16-year-old male student.
Authorities said Laughlin is accused of one count each of possession of child pornography, tampering with a witness, tampering with physical evidence, attempted statutory rape in the second degree, promoting obscenity in the first degree, and furnishing pornographic materials to a minor. The Maries County Sheriff’s Office brought the charges.
According to authorities, the relationship was largely characterized by the teacher pursuing the student, who consistently hesitated and sought to avoid engagement.
The investigation remains ongoing. Laughlin could face substantial legal penalties and the likely end of her teaching career if convicted.