Special education teacher charged with 19 counts of statutory sodomy

ST. LOUIS -- A special education teacher faces 19 counts of statutory sodomy after she allegedly told friends that she had performed oral sex on middle school students in recent months.

Cathy Heminghaus, 46, of Ferguson, was charged with the felonies Friday.

According to court documents, some of the crimes occurred at Ferguson Middle School, where she teaches. At least three of her students are thought to be victims.

School officials notified Ferguson police and the Division of Family Services on Thursday when they first learned of the allegations. Heminghaus was immediately put on administrative leave.

Heminghaus was being held at the St. Louis County jail and was unavailable for comment. Bond was set at $500,000.

"As always, protecting the welfare of our students and providing a safe, secure learning environment is our top priority," according to a joint statement from the Ferguson-Florissant School District and the Special School District, whose staff provides special education services to students in 23 school districts in St. Louis County.

Heminghaus was being held at the St. Louis County jail and was unavailable for comment. Bond was set at $500,000.