UPDATE: Former Del. teacher enters plea in sex offense of teen case

A former Delaware teacher has entered a plea, against the accusations of him having a sexual relationship with a teenager.

Richard “Dickie” Howell pleaded guilty on Friday morning, to six of the counts that he was facing, after a 17-year-old girl came forward, claiming the two had sex over several months in 2014.

Howell is a former Cesar Rodney high school teacher, and wresting coach. The accuser was apparently a student.

Howell was arrested in January 2015 after a female student at Caesar Rodney High School reported that he had sex with her over several months in 2014 that included encounters at school and his home.

We’re told Howell is now facing a minimum sentence of six years, and a maximum of 120. Sentencing is scheduled for April.

Howell was later indicted on 50 felony counts of sexual abuse of a child by a person in a position of trust and sexual solicitation of a child. He had initially been charged with fourth-degree rape and continuous sexual abuse of a child.

Howell’s trial, which has been repeatedly postponed, was scheduled to begin March 8.