The letters to the girls included such statements as “I really, really, really love your legs … I like how you show just enough to make me hard” and descriptions of how he “gets hot and hard just thinking about” his desire to “trace your thighs with my fingertips and make you squirm.”
Bartels reportedly confessed to the notes to the seventh graders. The notes notably do not expressly ask to meet the girls, reveal his identity, or solicit sex. One note includes statements like “Great curves all over the place . . . I really, really, really love your legs, I wish you would show them off more often. I like how you show just enough on top [to arouse] me.” A third note that was not yet delivered read, “You gave me shivers. … You are really hot. I will have very nice dreams.” That third note is interesting because it included instructions for how the girl could leave notes for him. That could have pushed the criminal case into more serious charges, but he was arrested before delivery. The police cannot base a charge on an undelivered note.
Since he did not openly solicit sexual acts and speak with the girls, prosecutors may have had some difficulty. They charged him with disorderly conduct. I am not sure whether additional charges for corruption or solicitation are being considered given the actions.
Bartels has taught for 28 years. What is interesting is the charge.
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