West Ashley HS Teacher Charged with Sexual Battery of a Student

The Charleston County Sheriff's Office has officially charged with West Ashley High School teacher at the center of an investigation into an alleged sexual relationship with a student.

Eric Helms, 26, of 587-A Riser Street, is charged with one count of sexual battery of a student, according to a CCSO statement.

The investigation stemmed from a report about the relationship between Helms and an 18-year-old female student at the high school that originated with the Charleston Police Department. Investigators say the student involved acknowledged the relationship, which allegedly began in January 2013 when the student became a teaching assistant in Helms' classroom.

"Investigation determined that Helms began a relationship with the student around January 2013 after the student became a teaching assistant in Helm’s classroom. Helm’s engaged in sexual relations with the student at his residence on numerous occasions during the relationship," the statement reads. "While the victim acknowledges the relationship, Helm’s official capacity having direct supervisory authority over the student and engaging in sexual battery violates 16-3-755 (D) S.C. Code of Laws."

According to an affidavit filed by investigators the student said the relationship was consensual.

Helms will have a bond hearing at 7 p.m. on March 29.