Woman Files Suit Against Ex-Teacher Says Sexual Relationship With Former Kellogg High School Instructor Amounted To Rape

A young Pinehurst woman is suing former Kellogg High School teacher Mark Holzer, claiming his persistent sexual advances amounted to rape.

Melissa Hei was 18 years old and a junior at the school when she and Holzer began an affair. Holzer’s Idaho teaching certificate was suspended recently because of their involvement.

Hei and her parents, Michael and Colleen Hei, filed suit this week in Idaho’s 1st District Court.

They are seeking $170,000 in damages from Holzer and his wife, Lisa, the Kellogg School District, superintendent Larry Curry, high school Principal Larry Wier, and members of the Kellogg school board.

They cite 17 different causes of harm, including negligence, mental distress, battery, sexual harassment, seduction and breach of contract.

Holzer was a coach and physical education teacher at the time of the relationship.

The suit claims that, from fall of 1995 through the spring of 1996, Holzer “commenced a frequent pattern of taking advantage of his employment position and initiating and demanding sexual contact with Melissa Hei.”

As a result of that pressure, the suit claims, Hei was incapable of giving her legal consent to sexual relations, which began after she turned 18 years old.

“The incidence of rape originated and occurred in conjunction with school activities or otherwise in the course of defendant Holzer’s employment …” the suit says.

The family claims school officials knew of Holzer’s unethical behavior, and failed to stop it or report it.

Holzer, who lives in Missoula, could not be reached for comment. Superintendent Curry referred a request for comment to the school district’s attorney, who did not respond.

, DataTimes