UPDATE: Court docs reveal text messages in student sex abuse case

A preliminary hearing is now set for the Stephen Decatur High School teacher accused of sexually abusing a former student.

Berlin man Austin Martin, 26, will face court on November 22.

According to court documents obtained Monday by 47ABC, the investigation stems from text message conversations between Martin and a 17-year-old student. 

Their numbers were reportedly exchanged over the photo-sharing application Instagram.

In a recorded interview with police, it was revealed that the text message conversations took place between May and November 2016 and involved the exchange of racy photos.

Martin, who has been placed on administrative leave, told police he viewed the relationship as a “fantasy”. He claims he met the student and told her they could not have an intimate relationship.

The charging documents read, “Martin knew his relationship with [student] was inappropriate, but could not provide an answer as to why he never stopped the relationship.”

Martin faces two charges total: sex abuse of a minor and sexual solicitation of a minor.