Kelly Gampel

@theSGphotos

A Corning-Painted Post Area School District teacher has been charged with rape.

Kelly S. Conway, 43, of Painted Post, was charged Friday after a 16-month investigation by the Painted Post Police Department, according to the police department's Facebook page.

Conway, a middle school teacher, is accused of having sexual contact with a person younger than 17, police said. They did not release the age or gender of the alleged victim. She is charged with third-degree rape and was remanded to the Steuben County Jail on $25,000 bail.

The school district was alerted of Conway's arrest Friday by village police and the county district attorney's office, according to a news release on the district's website.

"The district is reviewing its legal obligations and rights with its attorney in regard to this allegation and will continue to cooperate with the Village of Painted Post Police Department and the Steuben County District Attorney’s office, and for these reasons cannot comment further," the news release said.

Conway is on administrative leave.

"As always, the safety of our students is, and will remain, to be the priority for the C‐PP district," the news release said. "We understand parents may receive questions from their children about this allegation. Resources are available in the schools for students who feel they need emotional support at this time."

Parents are encouraged to contact the principal of their children's school for more information about the resources.

KGAMPEL@stargazette.com