Police: Ex-High School Volunteer Devin Howes Had Sexual Relations With Student

MARS, Pa. -- A former volunteer with the Mars High School band is facing hundreds of charges after being accused of having a sexual relationship with a student there.

The pages of the criminal complaint detail more than 54,000 instant messages between the teen and Devin Howes.

Howes has since been charged with sexual assault in the case.

Police said Howes and the girl met and struck up a relationship in September 2010. The girl, police said, was a 15-year-old freshman at the time.

The girl, who is now 16, told the court the relationship was consensual, but police said it was still a crime.

Police reports show messages between the two. One from Howes to the girl read, “I want you badly. I love you.”

Police said they also found a document written by Howes. It read, “I know I worry about the legal aspect of this ... the risk is worth it. I will and can take the full blame and the fall for anything.”

Howes now lives in North Carolina and is a pilot. All charges against him were waived to court on Tuesday.