Indecent assault charges were dismissed last week against a teacher at Parkway West Career and Technology Center who was accused of improper contact with two boys.

Richard Eidam, 55, was charged with two counts each of indecent assault, indecent assault of a person under age 16, child endangerment and corruption of minors.

Two boys at the school in North Fayette told investigators that Mr. Eidam kissed them, one on the lips, and the other on the neck and forehead.

Allegheny County Common Pleas Judge Donna Jo McDaniel, administrative judge in the Criminal Division, granted a motion May 13 by defense attorney James M. Ecker seeking to have the cases dismissed.

"There was really never a case," Mr. Ecker said yesterday.

Attorney Ira Weiss, solicitor for Parkway West Career and Technology Center, said he was "very surprised" by the judge's ruling. But, he said, he is not second-guessing Judge McDaniel.

"In 2008, one would think such cases should be heard with all evidence presented," Mr. Weiss said.

Mr. Eidam has been suspended without pay as the school continues its own investigation with the school board.