Third person charged in animal sexual abuse case turns herself in, former Henrico teacher also facing charges

HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- A third person charged in connection to a former Henrico teacher accused of sexually abusing her dog is now in custody.   

Erica Michelle Corpening turned herself in to the Henrico County Police Division on Tuesday, Aug. 26, after she had a warrant out for her arrest since May.  

Chanelle Lincoln, the now-former teacher, was first charged with one count of sexually abusing her dog on Oct. 2, 2024, after an explicit video was sent to her principal at Pocahontas Middle School. Corpening sent the video to the school’s principal.

Corpening is facing three counts of sexually abusing an animal in connection with sharing the video of the alleged incident. Court documents say she "knowingly distribute[d], publish[ed] or transmit[ted] an obscene video depicting a person engaged in sexual contact with an animal."   

Court documents also say Lincoln and Corpening were both in a romantic relationship with the same man.

That man is Kent Montgomery, who is also facing a bestiality charge as an accessory before the fact.

The detective reportedly spoke to staff at the middle school and viewed the video himself — determining that, in the video, Lincoln can be seen “engaging in sexual acts with a small dog.” Under the terms of her bond, Lincoln is barred from traveling and having contact with animals while the case is ongoing.

Lincoln was reportedly interviewed regarding the incident and confirmed it was her in the video, adding that the dog was her 3-year-old pet named Milo. Court documents stated that after a search warrant was signed, the dog was taken to the Henrico Police Animal Shelter.

Lincoln reportedly said that she had been “having an issue” with Corpening, and also said Corpening had obtained sexually explicit videos of her and had threatened to send them to the principal.

Corpening will next be in court in September. Online court records say she is still in custody. Lincoln and Montgomery both have separate court appearances in October.