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An Omaha North High School teacher and coach was charged with two felonies this morning in connection with a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old student.
Joseph Abdalla, 38, was charged with one count of first-degree sexual assault and one count of enticement of a minor, said prosecutor Michael Jensen, a deputy Douglas County attorney.
A friend discovered text messages that Abdallah had sent the girl. When authorities questioned the girl, she told them that she and Abdalla had sex multiple times at Abdalla's apartment, beginning in September.
Abdalla is scheduled to make his first court appearance Thursday. Under state law, it is illegal for anyone 19 or older to have sex with anyone 15 or younger.
OPS spokeswoman Luanne Nelson said Abdalla has been removed from the school pending results of an investigation. She said district officials have recommended that he be fired.
Abdalla taught science and coached tennis. Nelson said the girl was not in any of Abdalla's classes. Abdalla has taught in OPS since 2006.
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